Layers of compressed charcoal and washes were built up then erased into, working from a photograph of a burnt building.
The title is deliberately open to interpretation. The following passage is quoted from Dr Tim Wilson
“Going under (untergehen) is the decisive act of the philosopher or artist who must bring back whatever enlightenment he or she has achieved to those within the community who are ready to hear it.
For instance, each of the following, in their own way, go under: Plato’s philosopher-ruler, More’s Hythloday, Spenser’s Immerito, and Nietzsche’s Zarathustra.”
Very powerful and evocative.
Thank you Anthea, I find sometimes stark black and white does communicate a certain power.
Love the process – building up layers, erasing back, pulling out …
The result is a very moving piece.
And the quote resonates deeply here.
Great post – thank you!
thank you for your very encouraging thoughts Miriam, they are much appreciated.
The connectivity of your compositions is always compelling. I like this.
thanks Elena, I’m very pleased you find connectivity with the work.
Very arresting. Would love to see the original of this.
thank you very much Doubleblue02, I’ll always blog about upcoming shows.
Pity that I’m in Australia!
haha ah well I’ll let you know if I ever show over there!
Fingers crossed that you do one day, as it would be great to see your work in a show setting.
Very powerful and emotionally challenging
Thanks very much David, this piece seems to have struck an emotional chord with a few people.
Like the piece, especially the play of light and dark, leads you into it.
Cheers Barry, yes I find sometimes monochrome can heighten the drama in a piece.
This one leans against the shadows in my mind. Beautifully done!
Thanks very much Snapitures, so glad you find my work thought provoking.
wow
It is such a fascinating topic, the artist’s process poetically captured in this work. The ‘going under’ or down into the labyrinth has fascinated me. It has a long history in the visual arts and in prehistory witnessed by archaeological discoveries and some interpretations. The question I asked in my thesis was could I introduce Minoan underworld/ labyrinth/ (untergehen) symbolism into contemporary European oil painting? Minoan symbolism was more gender balanced than that of ancient Greece, the foundation of the Western canon.