Today we’re reveling in The Good Life courtesy of a new exclusive from collage artist, Poppy Faun. This stylish piece, transports us back to 70s America, to a simpler era when life was more affordable, there was time to relax and we weren’t yet consumed by our screens.
In today’s blog, we’re chatting to Faun to discover more about the inspirations and intentions behind the artwork that is available exclusively at Enter Gallery now.
Otherworldly escapism
Poppy Faun is a Brighton born-and-bred artist. She is known for collages that use retro imagery from the 60s and 70s to create a futuristic and otherworldly aesthetic that exudes rock and roll.
Constructing stories
The Good Life hails from a new series of work by Faun that’s forthcoming in 2022. In a shift away from more simplistic artworks like Lust and Flower Child, 1972, which capture particular moments, or specific feelings or emotions, this series uses more imagery to weave the stories Faun wishes to tell.
‘Part of my artistic process involves constantly looking at pictures from 50, 60 years ago. This new series is a reflection of all of those images coming together. It’s a glimpse at what my ideas first look like inside my head, from all of the images that I’ve absorbed.’
Brighter Days
The exclusive new piece reflects on and captures America in the 1970s – a time when life was slower, and things were better quality but didn’t cost a fortune. The artwork is a reminder to appreciate the simple things - that as long as there is food on the table and sun in the sky, we can all enjoy a slice of The Good Life. Faun reveals:
‘Look closer at the diner and everything is cheaper. It’s a reflection of how much has changed over the last 50 years. Now we’re in a time where everything costs so much money and everyone is constantly on their screens, no one has the time to relax. If we were to rewind 50 years, I think most people would realise that we’ve taken so much for granted.’
Pandemic Parallels
Another element of Faun’s piece that reveals itself when you look a little closer is her inclusion of the peace sign. The hippie movement of the 60s and 70s prioritised connection, love and inclusivity, but also emerged against a backdrop of the Vietnam War. Poppy explains:
‘Back then, people had just gone through the war. This piece draws parallels with what we’ve all been going through lately. How we’ve all realised that we want a better quality of life, an easier life, more simplicity – because we’ve been through something that’s made us reassess what’s important to us.’
One motif that fans of Faun’s work will recognise from her oeuvre is the vintage TV. Faun tells us:
‘Nowadays, we’re surrounded by controlling forces – our phones, devices, we’re so absorbed, we can’t look away. The TV in the piece represents the genesis of the digital world we live in now and the impact it’s had on the lives we live. As much as I love the advantages of being able to connect to people – it’s definitely dampened society’s capacity for connecting as humans.’
Good Vibes
‘I included the message ‘Be You’ because I want people to take a positive message from the piece. There are a million things going on in the world right now, and you can find yourself really bundled under with everything that’s not good. But, if you focus on yourself, and the things you can do to create your own version of the good life – that can bring you a bit of peace in an overwhelming world.’
Order The Good Life now.
