George Blaha: Archetypes and the Unknown
George Blaha’s artistic journey delves deep into the intersection of Jungian archetypes and the mysterious phenomenon of UFO sightings, connecting these ideas to the everyday events and tensions unfolding in the modern world.
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George Blaha
In an era defined by rapid technological advancements, political upheavals, and the reemergence of collective myths, Blaha’s work becomes a lens through which we can examine how humanity processes both the ordinary and the extraordinary.
George Blaha:
Through his thoughtful responses, it becomes evident that his work is a profound exploration of the human condition, marked by endless oscillations, transformations, and the tension between contemplation and power.
Blaha’s influences, ranging from the philosophical depth of Nietzsche to the lyrical introspection of Joni Mitchell, inform his unique perspective.
Meanwhile, his creative process—layered, repetitive, and deliberately boundaried—reflects his commitment to distilling meaning from distortion and form.
By drawing on universal archetypes and investigating phenomena that continue to spark global curiosity, Blaha’s practice serves as both a critique of the present and a tribute to the possibilities of our era, challenging us to reflect on what these patterns reveal about ourselves and our place in the world.
Text and Interview by Text by DiFranco
Interview with Artist George Blaha and De DiFranco:
1. How do Jung’s ideas about archetypes shape your interpretation of UFO sightings?
A little.
George Blaha: (left) Indigital RBT(right) Wick-ID! | Permission: Image Courtesy of the Artist
2. The combination of Nietzsche and Joni Mitchell is fascinating. How do you connect their philosophies to your work?
It's a work in progress.....
3. You mention “opaque and transparent layers.” Can you explain how this manifests in your creative process or the final result of your pieces?
Transparent and opaque levels of meaning. Sometimes I'm pointing to something very specific, other times I don't even know what it's about.
Do I have something to say at this moment?, or is it just play? or both?Also from the viewers side, depends on their state of clarity.
4. What does the “endless oscillation” of the human condition mean to you? How does this idea guide your creations?
The endless oscillations of hope and fear. Hope that they get it, and fear that they don't.
5. You speak about the corruption of contemplation into a tragedy of power. How do you translate this transformation into your work?
That sounds political. I don't trust politics.
6. What kind of emotions or reflections do you hope to evoke in the audience by exploring these human dynamics?
To recognize and reflect on their attachments to phenomenon.
7. What is the role of “boundaried and repetitive practice” in your work? Is it a critique, a method, or both?
Both
8. Distorted forms are a central element. Do they symbolize something specific, or are they more open to interpretation?
To show that everything is in a state of becoming. To redirect awareness towards the fallacy of making distinctions.
9. What artistic techniques or mediums do you use to bring these ideas to life?
Primarily the computer.
Just so you know, the artist statement posted on my website on which you based your questions was the result of playing around with early AI.
George Blaha: (left) MidEgo Times -> (right) Yogi Pickle Rick | Permission: Image Courtesy of the Artist
It gave me a good laugh and is a critique of what I perceive as the disjuncture between most artist statements and the artwork that they supposedly represent.
In other words, that artist statement is a joke. The responses I gave you are the best I could do with that material.
Generally, I don't have much regard for artist statements. Often they set up a pre-condition or context for how the audience is supposed to approach the work.
That's why when I have exhibitions, after people have had a chance to see the work, I like to have an artist talk with the Question and Answer format as opposed to a lecture.
I'm interested in a collaborative dialogue where something new and fresh could emerge from the interaction.
10. How does the concept of “a tribute to the possibilities of our era” connect with contemporary contexts?
The unique possibilities inherent in computer based methods of generating images beyond human capabilities; in collaboration with a sentient creative force.
11. What do you believe the phenomenon of UFO sightings reveals about our society and our times?
The desire for people to reconnect with a sense of wonder.
12. What aspects of the future do you hope to explore through your work?
I like to take things as they come, so I'll see what the future compels me to manifest in my work.
13. What sparked your interest in these ideas as a postgraduate? Was it a specific event or experience?
The experience of seeing everything as perfect ... just as it is.
14. How have you evolved as an artist since you started exploring these themes?
I've gotten quite good at the play of photons.
15. What would you like the audience to take away after engaging with your work?
That /this...... is all a display.
Interview by and Text by DiFranco
You can find George Blaha work at Marquee projects or dive deeper into his work on Instagram
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