Chalk and Charcoal

Picture
_In this painting the artist explores the rich mosaic that is life and how its uninhibited passage is hindered by man made and natural forces.  Each coloured tile represents different experiences that can be enjoyed in our lives and the way in which they interlock seamlessly shows that these can coexist for someone to have a rich and full existence.  The long, almost serpentine licks of grey charcoal that start out from the top left of the painting represent man made inhibitors that intrude on life's colourful mosaic and actually obliterate some of it.  The first one (at the top) represents religion and the circular patterns made by the squiggles represent many confusing contradictions and self fulfilling prophecies inherent in any religion.  The second one represents education. This is the shortest and least intrusive because it does open several doors and can actually enhance one's life but at the same time it shows that some of what we learn can get in our way.  The third one represents societal norms that we are expected to follow that influence our life in more subtle ways and that can engulf us if we are not wary.  The fourth represents the government that seeks to greatly influence our lives and behaviour in a more ordered way.  The last one represents our livelihood and shows again that our job can take away from life's mosaic if we're not careful.  Finally the wavy lines that are at the four corners of the painting represent non man-made forces that are beyond our control - an earthquake, a flood and many geological or astronomical events can intrude into our lives. These are always at the periphery threatening to engulf the mosaic completely.  We should also note the choice of material here.  By choosing charcoal that can easily be washed away, the artist highlights the transient nature of life and also shows that parts of the gray serpents can be washed away and replaced by a colorful mosaic instead.  This painting evokes feelings of joy, sadness, helplessness and hope.  A tour de force by the artist.