This artwork was created specifically for Blue Man Group’s Complex Tour. The original photo is a shot from one of the shows.
The driving force behind this work is the concept of all 3 blue men connected through a single character. They are all slightly different in their mannerisms, but are ultimately one essence, something far removed from the prejudices and confines of society. Blue Man is many things--both calm and intense, both innocent and wise, both social and self-interested. Although each Blue Man onstage is his own character, one could not survive without the other two. Together, the Blue Men have the ability to draw you into their world... They are amazing, unstoppable. This teamwork, this partnership, is symbolized through the fusing of the three separate bodies in this piece. The lighting in the piece hints at Blue Man's stage presence, and how he comes into our world a little more through the Complex tour. At the venue shows, one is brought into the Blue Man's world, but in this show, he is the one to transcend into our world, complete with its chaos, uncertainties, and bright lights.
I created this art not only for the tour, but for one of the performers himself—Kalen Allmandinger, a Boston Blue Man. In the original photo, he is the blue man on the far right, looking up into the crowd. He is a dynamic figure, with the ability to portray a wide range of personalities and emotions. This goes hand-in-hand with the idea of unity, because he plays each role in the tour show (and that flexibility must take amazing versatile talent!). Not to mention he’s also particularly tall (even for a blue man)—his height is emphasized by the space of the picture. And he’s super nice and gives great hugs! =D hehe.
