“Substantial Position”

Artwork by

Jack M. Brandt

Each individual holds an important position in life that is complex and intertwined with emotions. This position, whether political, religious, personal or unknown, needs to be acknowledged. The word “substantial” describes something that has meaning and value to an individual. “Position” can be defined in two ways, the first being the act of placing or arranging. The second meaning implies the act of taking a stance or viewpoint on a particular subject or subject matter. The title of this exhibit, “Substantial Position” is an expression of my viewpoint on society’s lack of knowledge and understanding for “different” or “diverse” in today’s world.

Are the colors and designs substantial to the piece, or does this not make a difference on your view? Does the position of the colors effect the piece, or is it better to view the piece in black and white? In life, does color matter, or do we just live a mundane existence that does not deserve any color? Are the titles of my work substantial to understanding the piece beyond the color and elements of design? Do the titles provide a clearer understanding of my viewpoint when reading the title? Now, if I tell you that I have Cerebral Palsy, is that substantial for you to know?

Art allows me to be expressive and bold. Painting enables me to speak more directly to an individual as opposed to other means of communication. My darker pieces reflect my frustration with society’s lack of knowledge, intolerance, and in some cases, total neglect for those who are deemed “different”. I feel that we live in a society that does not see individuals as leading substantial lives in our respective communities. There are some in today’s world that believe individuals with disabilities, such as my self, should be non existent. When individuals take a first glance at me they focus on my wheelchair and tend to forget that I have a substantial position in life. In my brighter, bolder pieces, however, the viewer will see my understanding of life.

Does my disability matter? Is it just another one of society’s substantial positions?

Jack M. Brandt was born June 9th of 1979. Complications at birth resulted in brain damage and at a young age, he was diagnosed with cerebral palsy. As a toddler, Jack began creating art as a form of therapy and play. Art has always been an important part of Jack’s life and has provided a venue for voicing his emotions and his views on societal issues.

Throughout high school Jack took art classes. Jack’s spasticity, a common symptom of cerebral palsy, led to some challenges in completing art assignments. As a result, tools were modified and the mediums for his paintings were enlarged to accommodate his unique art style. He began painting with acrylics but soon learned that the paint dried too quickly for him to manipulate. He then began painting with oils and has continued using oils ever since. Jack’s style and control had greatly improved over the course of his four years in high school. During that time Jack entered a piece of work in a state competition and, without the judges having the knowledge of his disability, he was awarded the judges choice distinction.

During college Jack chose Political Science as his main course of study, however his passion for art and painting continued. He turns to painting to express his opinion on political and social issues. Recently, Jack has presented at several conferences speaking of the importance of art when used as a tool for activists. He works in a studio in McGabeysville, Virginia where he resides and still continues creating his work.

The artwork included in this show comes from the period of 1999 – 2004.