Commentary:
Symmetrically balanced wood bars frame and incorporate the wall as part of this shaped canvas. The interior space of a dark chevron pattern provides the ground for an illuminated off-center target-like circle bisected by a raised horizontal bar. A triangle shape, edged with white lines pointing inward, interacts with the raised bar to create an arrow. Painted with a golden yellow, the triangle highlights the innermost section of the halo of circles. Arrows also arise from the top and bottom of this shaped canvas pointing outwards. An arrow and target are two symbolic motifs that emerge from the structure of this painting. A possible meaning gleaned from the painting: the direction to take in reaching an objective, such as transcendence and inner enlightenment, is complete embrace of inner and outer worlds.
Commentary:
The picture plane, structured with triangles, is irregularly divided into halves of black and white with a raised central yellow vertical bar running down the middle. This yellow bar casts a sort of illusory transparent “shadow” and connects to a similar silver bar that twists behind it and likewise actually extends out from the picture plane but to the side. The two combined create a kind of twisted pretzel shape. In this case the “shadow” illusion (the virtual) and the yellow bar (actual) hold the painting together suggesting a mixed reality that necessitates the infinite questioning/wondering of the illogical and logical that intertwine to make this world.
Commentary:
Includes text: "He knew everything there was to know about literature (art), except how to enjoy it.” This statement became analogous in my mind to the heavy emphasis in the art world on concept and text as opposed to visual appeal and just seeing. I was feeling constantly frustrated having to read wall text in museums and galleries about an art work, (which ended up ironically more interesting than actually looking at the art piece), and so my frustration came out as a reversal in this painting—a graphic gestalt of strong visual appeal, amplified with the 22 red bars to draw one in as another kind of catch, and a buried text and concept (a catch-22) regarding the operation of the art industry and art world success for me at that moment in time.