The Epiphany
Sex is a sensitive topic that, overtime, has become more socially accepted. As a child one never imagines that people have sex on a regular basis, only when they are in love or want to start a family. Then comes the epiphany, everyone has this sexual awakening, a moment when they notice that sex is not uncommon, but instead a norm. Not everyone’s epiphany occurs the same way. My collage represents my sexual awakening. Specifically, the collage illustrates my confusion as I encountered the many different types of condoms available in the market. My epiphany occurred when I stumble upon a shelf, looked, looked away and then looked back again. It is clear that I had encountered something that interested me and caused me to do a “double-look”. It was a shelf full of condoms. My innocent mind could not comprehend why one would need so many different types of condoms; why not just one type: a condom. Therefore, once I really thought about it, I had the epiphany that caused my sexual awakening.
In the construction of the collage I placed myself as a stick figure in the center of the collage with four question marks that at the corners of a rectangle. The first packets of condoms form the sides of the rectangle. The rectangular center with the four question marks represents my inability to think “outside of the box” and the innocence of youth as I questioned the necessity of the various types of condoms that surrounded me. Moreover, the other packets of condoms are arranged in a circular shape to illustrate how my perspective had become more well rounded as I analyzed the situation and had my sexual awakening. Additionally, the descriptions of the condoms are pointing outward from the center, in contrast to the packets of condoms, to illustrate that my circle expands as my knowledge, such as my perspective on sex, increases. Therefore, overtime making me a more rounded and knowledgeable individual.
December 17th, 2007 at 11:29 pm
Well, Leo, it is very interesting that you have decided to do a collage representing such a touchy subject. Many are still squeamish at the idea of talking about sex and accompaniments like condoms. I think it is a very brave and innovative way to express the confusion that surrounds this vulnerable stage we all have in life. It is something we can all relate to, I believe, at some point of another, but I guess you are the only one I know brave enough who can be up-front and open about it. I especially enjoyed the stick figure as a representation of yourself; the stick figure could be a symbol that the person in the middle could be any one of us.
December 19th, 2007 at 12:59 am
Wait, now you’ve got me curios too. Why are there exactly so many types of condoms?
I could not help but laugh as I read your commentary accompanying the collage. It caused me to do the “double-look” on your collage too. It’s easy to laugh about the subject, but the truth is, sex can indeed be a controversial and touchy subject to discuss. I think you tackled it from a good angle.
As far as the collage goes, it is very friendly to the eye. I love the geometry and use of symmetry. I think the vast use of bright color works well also — it captures the confusion caused by the overwhelming feelings of sexual awakening.
December 19th, 2007 at 8:20 pm
Wow this is like the BEST collage by far, at least it’s the most different which automatically makes it the most “Friendly” to the eye. I love it how you ventured to come up with this theme of condoms. Excellent job!!!
December 19th, 2007 at 8:20 pm
I wonder what the cashier thought when you were purchasing all these condoms!!!! HAHA
December 19th, 2007 at 11:33 pm
Your collage is by far the most interesting. I am fascinated with what you did after you finished with the collage with all those items. Anyhow very nicely done!