This untitled physical work depicts sculptural biomorphic forms reminiscent of Iberian or Cycladic idols or Henry Moore's figures floating on a bright coloured space. The left part of the painting consists of two dimensional, flat abstract shapes which gradually become more rendered and three dimensional as we move to the centre and right of the work. There are hints at limbs and drapery throughout the work as well as a long trapezoid volume extending from the bottom right of the canvas which gives the impression of supporting the whole "body" on the centre left part of the work. The composition is asymmetrical, dynamic and flowing from bottom left to centre right, while the "negative space" is very brightly coloured, gradating from an intense, almost fluorescent orange red to a magenta-purple turning what would traditionally be a background into the most prominent element of the work.
A big part of the composition and movement of this work is directly inspired by the dynamic compositions of Traditional oriental Sumi-e painting combined with the material qualities and brightness of soft pastels, the impasto and layering of oil painting and the sharpness and formal clarity of academic charcoal drawing.
It is one of the paintings I produced during my stay at “The League Residency at Vyt” in upstate New York in June 2015 and is a representative example of my series "Qualia" which focuses on the nature of painting and the boundaries between representation and abstraction.
Physical Painting details:
150x150cm, Mixed media on canvas, Framed, Signed, created and photographed in 2015 by Theo Chronis
Digital file details:
7200x7200 px, digitally enhanced in 2022 by Theo Chronis
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