Ether, 2023
Each painting is a study in contradiction, following a repetitive process of thought, emotion, action, refinement, erasure, and repetition. These process-oriented artworks are rooted in the art history of women artists such as Agnes Martin, Eva Hesse, and Margaret Shirley, who also explored creation through a similar iterative approach. My recent paintings begin with an image of vapor, serving as both an anchor and a starting point. This image is printed behind glass, which is then subjected to destructive acid treatment. Thin layers of paint and text are subsequently applied, destroyed, and layered again until the paintings reach completion.
My work represents an ongoing exploration of the unknown through the medium of pigment. I firmly believe that our perceptions are profoundly shaped by what we see, as visual stimuli elicit emotional responses. Thus, the paintings themselves serve as reflections of the unknown. My aim is to eliminate all extraneous references within the artwork, except for the actions employed, which are then negated. This interplay between action and inaction, color and absence of color, noise and silence creates an intermediate space for contemplation. Ultimately, the paintings strive to evoke moments of profound thought, with the hope of generating a feeling of love. I perceive love as the cohesive force—a glue—that binds us together. It is not born out of perfection but is constructed through the challenges and difficulties we encounter. The adversities we face act as the adhesive that holds our moments of joy and happiness in place, allowing us to experience and feel love.
In each body of work I undertake, I typically draw inspiration from various points of reference in art history, poetry, and theology. For this series, I delved into Gerhard Richter's "Grey Paintings" and Agnes Martin's "Desert Works," which explore the interplay of light and darkness. I also found inspiration in the stained glass windows of Chartres Cathedral, where light penetrates the darkness, revealing forms of illumination. The poetry of Paul Celan, with its ability to give voice to the unspoken through delicate nuances, also influenced my work. Additionally, the Hindu philosophy of vibration and light manifesting through the body and gesture holds great significance in this series. The mark left behind is akin to a footprint on a journey, capturing the essence of vibration and light.
