Embarking on an artistic venture, I sought to chart the vast and varied terrains of bacon from corners far and wide through an infographic. The initial phase of this exploration, comprising a mere 100 layers, peeled back the first layers of an immensely dynamic universe teeming with bacon-inspired products, cultural events, influential figures, and a rich tapestry of symbolisms. This foray into the world of bacon revealed an endless horizon of possibilities, aptly termed “baconfinity,” where every conceivable term paired with “bacon” unveiled narratives both intriguing and unique. Amidst this burgeoning cosmos of ideas, my direction was as fluid as the subject matter itself, propelled by an insatiable curiosity and the myriad connections and concepts that emerged from the depths of bacon’s influence.
The resultant artwork is a labyrinthine collection of approximately 6000 layers, each a testament to the authentic bacon-inspired artifacts unearthed through diligent searches, interwoven with strands of original creativity. This piece mirrors the multifaceted essence of contemporary society, with bacon serving as the medium through which a multitude of themes are explored. Organized into 40 distinct sections, each is illuminated by numerals bathed in a bacon-esque glow, with arrows weaving a path through the narrative landscape, creating a symmetrical balance at its core. The structural backbone of this collage, constructed from bacon marble pillars and rows, is largely veiled by a dense overlay of natural and man-made elements.
Delving into “Baconfinity” is an invitation to traverse the historical, present, and speculative futures of bacon, a journey that is initially overwhelming but richly rewarding, offering insights into bacon’s omnipresence in our lives. This exploration warrants the tongue-in-cheek accolade of a Ph.D. in Bacon from the fictional University of Baconfinity.com, symbolizing the depth of engagement with the subject.
The art delves deep into the symbolisms of bacon, encompassing themes of wealth, power, sex, desire, excess, sin/taboo, consumerism, Baconmania, Americana, data, success, craziness, and the pivotal years of 2020-2022. It navigates the undercurrents of geopolitics, pop culture, current events, and corporate America, starting from the whimsical South West Bacon fashion show and concluding in Bacon D.C. (“The Hill”). Each section unveils a facet of bacon’s impact, with the inclusion of elements from the natural and cultural realms because they echo bacon’s essence, from sunsets to rock formations.
“Baconfinity” also celebrates bacon-inspired art from various artists and incorporates a playful “Where’s Putin” game, challenging viewers to spot the Russian leader among the chaos, reminiscent of “Where’s Waldo.” The architectural symmetry of the layout, though obscured by the dense layering of items, reveals a carefully structured design evident in the bacon marble columns, pillars, and staircases, inviting a meticulous examination to appreciate its complexity and depth.
This piece is more than an art project; it’s an immersive exploration into the cultural, social, and symbolic dimensions of bacon, offering a panoramic view of its pervasive influence across different spheres of life. “Baconfinity” stands as a monumental ode to bacon, inviting viewers to embark on a journey through its rich landscape, discovering the endless ways in which bacon weaves itself into the fabric of our existence.
