MIRROR OF WATER
(Psychologically, water mirrors can be seen as tools for meditation and self-examination. The act of gazing into water prompts a state of mindfulness, encouraging individuals to contemplate their thoughts and emotions as they watch their reflections ripple and change)
This series revolves around engaging with a reference—an existing artwork by another artist, specifically a small painting (a study of a sculpture by Antoine Pevsner) that I encountered at the Pompidou Museum in Paris many years ago. It wasn’t until years later, amidst feeling somewhat lost in my artistic process, that I rediscovered this piece while looking through pictures on my phone. This encounter sparked a desire to work with this appropriation.
My objective with this series is to challenge and expand the boundaries of my artistic practice by deconstructing and reinterpreting this reference piece. Driven by a desire to explore new artistic possibilities while remaining true to my style, I have engaged in a process of introspection to better understand my evolving concepts and artistic trajectory. This journey has led me to seek simpler yet more profound pictorial solutions, aiming to uncover new visual discourses.
Typically, my hallmark has been a complex interplay of color and form, where semi-abstract figures emerge from the depths of layers, involving a profound engagement with the subconscious mind, and automatism guiding the creation of each piece.
Allowing myself to deconstruct another artist’s work has granted me a greater sense of liberation in my creative process. Perhaps I had been too comfortable with what I knew, and now, I am stepping into the unknown. Intentionally moving out of my comfort zone has led me to explore the limitless expanses of the psyche, fostering a quiet confidence and self-assuredness where, for instance, I no longer feel compelled to fill every space on the canvas.
This newfound freedom enables me to blend the inspiration from the reference piece with my spontaneous expression. The fascination with this seemingly simple artwork lies in its profound impact on me, despite its divergence from my usual practice. This series represents a significant shift toward focusing on the intrinsic qualities of form, color, and composition. I find myself increasingly drawn to the ethereal and spiritual dimensions of art, striving to visualize contexts that transcend the literal and the visible.
In contrast to my previous work, which often explored narratives through dreams or ephemeral imagery, this series reflects a new approach. It began with a formal attraction to the reference piece and has evolved into a contemplative and assured exploration. The spaces left on the canvas are now integral to the composition, embodying my developing artistic vision.
Each piece in this series invites the viewer to experience a dialogue between the familiar and the unknown, reflecting a journey of transformation and discovery. This body of work signifies not only a personal evolution but also represents a broader exploration of the possibilities within the realm of visual art.
