The symbol is a call to action in response to the proliferation of genetically modified foods we have all been un-wantingly thrust into a new class of generation: Generation Modified. This breaks the traditional sense of a generation as defined by a group of individuals calculated by a number of years and instead encompasses everyone on this planet right NOW. The unnatural forced upon us are literally breaking us. Peoples’ lives are broken. The government is broken. The fabric of the Earth is breaking. We are breaking.
The initials, GMO, are found within the concept. (“G”eneration, “M”odifed, and the “O” that encircles the broken DNA strand). The circle, however, is a symbol of unity, wholeness and without beginning or end- the ultimate Oneness. It also represents protectiveness and even the cradle of life- an embryo.
The circle encompasses the simplified DNA strand. It’s doesn’t need to be complicated- the message is simple- that what is happening right now is broken and that unless we come together, become one, and do something about it then we will forever be broken. The DNA strand also strikes the viewer as a ladder but with a broken rung and with that broken ascension, growth, to the next level is impossible. It instead holds back and risks a fall into further depths.
Easy, use it! The Generation Modified symbol should be used in anyway you see fit to support the Non GMO movement. You can get stickers and posters from us in our store, here: http://andrewpasquella.bigcartel.com. We don’t charge much; enough to cover the costs of materials and to keep the lights on. Put the posters up in public spaces, stickers on your laptop- anywhere where people see will it.
Then spread it! Take pictures, post them. Use #generationmodified in your social media. The more eyeballs that see it, the faster we add to the conversation.
Andrew Pasquella was born in Dallas, Texas where he lived of the first eleven years of life before moving to Toronto for a short number of years, Mexico City for a longer number of years and finally Los Angeles where he’s been ever since.
An entrepreneurial spirit, the joy of creating and doing, led Andrew to form successful companies and, eventually, burnout. In order to heal his body and his mind Andrew turned to holistic techniques which included three practices that had the biggest impact- Transcendental Meditation, routine visits to a sensory depravation tank, and art. These practices afforded him the stillness and mindfulness to help explore his artistic visions.
The auction site Paddle8 said it best when they tweeted “Andrew Pasquella plays with words and food.” With a focus on food and health advocacy, Pasquella’s work seeks to take the viewer on a transformational journey, questioning the status quo using a range of media from prints to spray-paint, acrylic, epoxy resin, and metal leaf — as well as urgency and humor.
Pasquella is unmistakably fomenting revolution, considering his work a form of agitprop as well as visual expression. He’s buoyed by what’s happening in the food industry, perceiving this moment as “Loud, dangerous and polarizing,” but also inspiring. “It’s Rock and Roll. It’s the People taking on corporations, private interest groups, and government on a grassroots level, fighting for human rights, animal rights, and the environment.” He seeks to make not only powerful art, but to encourage people to get informed and active — and to realize the power they can wield just by how and where they spend their money.
His striking high-contrast palettes and hyper-crisp lines and shapes mimic civic, corporate, and consumer graphics in ways that while bold and eye-catching, are more nuanced in their messaging than pure polemic. For example, his USDA series reflects on his personal experience with the United States Department of Agriculture and the compromising of food standards regarding use of the official “organic” certification logo. Once a symbol of integrity, it has been disingenuously transformed into a commodity increasingly deployed beyond its original standards at the urging of powerful financial lobbies.
Works from this series are, ironically, represented in several impressive private collections including the Max Factor cosmetics family.
His work first appeared in the Gallery 825 exhibition “Pop Uber Alles” juried by Getty Center Director Timothy Potts in September of 2013. Now following a sold-out exhibition in Art Basel (Switzerland), where he was also featured in the local press, his upcoming exhibitions include Art Basel (Miami) in December 2014, the Los Angeles Art Show in January 2015,and Art BAsel (Switzerland) in June 2015.
Visit andrewpasquella.com to see more of his work and upcoming exhibitions.
For up-to-date work check out Andrew on Instagram: http://instagram.com/andrewpasquella