The Space Within

‘The Space Within’ is my latest body of work completed mostly during the second half of 2021. Most of my figurative work explores the emotional complexities of the human subject but this series is a reaction to the effects of the covid pandemic and the turmoil we all faced over the last (almost) two years.

Many of these works are a response to events; acquaintances passing, conflict in my neighborhood, polarization due to the media, and the interpretation of events -real or misrepresented. Simultaneously, like many others in these extraordinary times, I’ve been struggling with a need for connection which led to the multi figure pieces. These represent both physical as well as emotional closeness while letting go into the abyss.

‘The space within’ reflects on the space within our minds and thoughts. The space within our relationships. Spaces within our homes and work that have changed over the last two years. On various levels our lives changed as we faced geographical changes, isolation, and the absence of connection.

In this series, the color palette remained mostly monochromatic, with an emphasis on grays and blacks being in juxtaposition to the emotional content. However, I do view neutral tones as symbolizing power; as I view vulnerability not as weakness but as strength. To emphasize this even further, I started implementing concrete as a substrate. Concrete, often associated with architecture, symbolizes strength, yet due to its brittle qualities there is this delicate undertone. Should any of the canvas pieces in this series fall, they may survive through concrete is unlikely to do so.

Some of the pieces in this series have strong vermilion vertical elements also indicating strength and growth, while subtle ochre indicates hope in others. Often graphite marks are present indicating that these pieces may not be quite finished -not unlike our stories. In some areas illegible text can be seen -also a reference to the story of our lives continuously being written.

This series was exhibited during Spectrum Art Fair in Miami, 1-5 Dec 2021 and is now available from here.