Meaning: This quote by Matthew Barney, an American contemporary artist known for his multimedia works, provides an interesting perspective on the nature of his artistic creations. At first glance, the comparison between his characters and the stomach's lack of ego when it wants to throw up might seem puzzling, but upon closer examination, it offers insights into the way Barney approaches the portrayal of his characters and their actions.

In this quote, Barney seems to be suggesting that he aims to depict his characters in a raw and unfiltered manner, devoid of ego or self-consciousness. By likening his characters to the stomach's instinctive function of vomiting, he implies that their actions and behaviors are driven by an innate, uncontrollable force rather than a deliberate, ego-driven decision-making process. This perspective aligns with Barney's artistic style, which often features visceral and primal imagery that delves into the depths of human experience.

One interpretation of this quote is that Barney seeks to strip away the veneer of self-importance and self-awareness from his characters, presenting them as embodiments of raw, unfiltered human impulses and instincts. By doing so, he may be aiming to explore the primal, instinctual aspects of human nature and behavior, delving into the depths of the subconscious and the visceral.

Barney's use of the analogy between his characters and the stomach also raises questions about the nature of control and agency in his artistic world. By comparing his characters to a bodily function that operates beyond the realm of conscious control, he may be challenging traditional notions of agency and intentionality in art. This perspective suggests that Barney's characters are not governed by rational decision-making or deliberate actions, but rather by a more primal and involuntary force, much like the stomach's action of vomiting.

Furthermore, the comparison to the stomach's lack of ego also hints at a sense of inevitability and necessity in the actions of Barney's characters. Much like the stomach's reflexive need to expel unwanted substances, Barney's characters may be driven by an internal compulsion or urgency that transcends individual desires or motivations. This portrayal of his characters as conduits for involuntary, instinctual actions could serve to highlight the powerful, elemental forces that shape human behavior and existence.

In a broader context, this quote sheds light on the thematic and conceptual underpinnings of Barney's artistic practice. His work often delves into primal and elemental themes, exploring the intersection of the human body, mythology, and the natural world. By likening his characters to the stomach's unthinking, instinctual behavior, Barney may be emphasizing the raw, unfiltered aspects of human experience and the elemental forces that underpin our existence.

In conclusion, Matthew Barney's quote offers a thought-provoking insight into his artistic approach and the portrayal of his characters. By drawing a parallel between his characters and the egoless, instinctual nature of the stomach, he invites us to reconsider the ways in which we perceive and understand human behavior in art. This analogy serves as a gateway to exploring the primal, unfiltered aspects of human existence and the powerful, elemental forces that shape our actions and impulses.