Madison’s work is based on assemblages of various elements and mediums, and the relationships created therein. It explores the idea of identity as built upon an ever-changing inventory of thoughts, beliefs, and experiences. Glimpses of the human body, imagined landscapes, and abstract shapes become source material for these compositions, which mimic the ambiguous space of the mental plane. There are multiple instances of translation that occur during the creation of these abstract collages, including photography, digital manipulation, and the repurposing of older work. This process of constant deconstruction and reconstruction reinforces the idea that every object is altered by its history and surroundings. When viewing these works, an important element to examine is the way in which the seemingly arbitrary units interact with and affect each other. The use of layering and the breakdown of boundaries between elements are especially significant. The final product is a visual representation of the idea that an individual’s identity is not a discrete object, but a vast mosaic of experiences. Every occurrence throughout the course of a person’s life-the good, the bad, the strange, and the mundane- has the potential to redefine the self.
