This piece draws inspiration from the Bible verse “charity suffereth long” from 1 Corinthians 13:4 in the King James Version. This phrase highlights the enduring nature of God's love—patient and kind. However, I aimed to explore the absence of that love, creating an abstract representation of purgatory, disguised by vibrant colors. My vision includes three menacing demons and a suffering human in the corner, whose screams remain unheard. I find the concept of purgatory intriguing, filled with endless possibilities. It may not be a physical space but rather an abstract realm characterized by emptiness and paradoxical beauty, where those trapped are more defined by their presence than the place itself. I was very happy with the cloud-like appearance of the two pieces of cardboard put together, and the addition of the projection mapping made the piece all the more intriguing. I used trippy designs and patters that moved, which layered on top of the trippy rose-like patterns I drew looked very cool and other-worldly.
I used a tetratic color scheme, incorporating dark blue, orange, pink, light blue, and tan to evoke a whimsical quality in the piece. These colors serve to soften the appearance of the creatures, making them seem less threatening. My intention was for viewers to initially perceive beauty rather than suffering, while still inferring deeper emotional truths. Though I didn’t consciously focus on the symbolism of each color during creation, I maintained consistent shading and highlights to ensure cohesion throughout the artwork. Psychologically, the piece appears playful, yet the expressions of the figures reveal a stark contrast to the vibrancy surrounding them.
Creating an atmosphere of curiosity was vital; I wanted viewers to engage rather than recoil in fear. The empty spaces within the composition invite viewers to use their imagination, filling those voids with personal interpretations. The demons can appear more menacing in dim light, while brighter settings reveal their playful colors. Similarly, the human figure may seem more afraid in darker environments but shifts to a state of surprise or shock under brighter conditions.
Through this work, I explore the complexity of emotions within the theme of purgatory. The contradictions inherent in the piece reflect the confusion experienced by someone in a liminal state, grappling with the absence of divine love and the presence of tormenting beings. My aim is to create a dialogue between beauty and suffering, inviting viewers to reflect on their interpretations of the scene and its underlying messages.
Ultimately, I hope this piece resonates on multiple levels, encouraging contemplation about the nature of suffering, love, and the spaces we inhabit—both physically and emotionally. The whimsical presentation serves as a facade, concealing the deeper anguish within, urging viewers to look beyond the surface. In this way, the artwork becomes a medium for exploring the complexities of human experience, where beauty and despair coexist in a delicate balance. I was very happy with how the art show went, and I can't wait to explore projection mapping in the future!
Commentaires