relative/s isolation series

Everything becomes defined a certain way based on its relationship to another phenomenon. How one color is, is not determined in isolation, but in proximity to another: this determines harmony or discord, warmth or coolness. Sharp edge is only sharp relative to softer form. Light is only light next to dark, and so on.

In this series I am exploring the tensions between the oppositional ideas of individual and of group. I wanted to see if I could simultaneously paint both autonomy and connectedness. 

 They are painted in oil on mounted birch panels, each about the size of a large door, 3’x7’. All figures are slightly larger than life, and all look outward from themselves either to the side or out to the viewer. I wanted to see if I could paint awareness.

As well as seeing this as distinct paintings, I see this “series” as one work, as an installation. They exhibit together in one room looking around the room at each other, looking back at the viewer.  I am interested in the effect of association, of their proximity to each other. They are bound by common format, which both groups them and reveals their distinctive qualities. I wanted to see if I could paint aloneness and togetherness.


 

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