Description
#957-96960, no datePencil/watercolor on Arches
Unsigned (what’s the reason for this?)
30 x 22 in. (image)
38.75 x 31 (frame)
original, includes certificate of authenticity from ArtTrust
To introduce this piece (957-96960), let’s first set the context for interpreting art through a multilayered lens. In this process, art is approached not only as a visual experience but also as a profound medium for philosophical and cultural exploration. Here, we blend Zen insights, I Ching symbolism, and art history perspectives, providing a unified approach that seeks to uncover the deeper resonances within the artwork.
In Zen, there is a focus on the immediacy of the moment, free from the constructs of the mind. This artwork, with its visceral texture and vibrant palette, invites the viewer to witness the transient nature of identity and existence. Big Al’s eyes depicted appear to gaze both outward and inward, simultaneously representing the external world and the internal self. The halo-like form above the figure’s head can be seen as a symbol of enlightenment or spiritual awakening, while the texture evokes the ever-changing flux of the universe, reminding us of the Zen concept of “mu” (emptiness).
The I Ching, or Book of Changes, emphasizes the constant state of transformation. Here, the presence of fire in the background hints at Hexagram 30, Li (The Clinging, Fire), which signifies illumination, clarity, and sometimes even the necessity to let go. The blending of flames into the figure suggests a person undergoing spiritual or existential transformation, burning away attachments to reveal a clearer understanding. The numbers at the top may symbolize a path or a sequence leading toward this change, echoing the cyclical nature of life and the cosmos as taught in the I Ching.
Combining these interpretations, the painting becomes a visual koan—an enigmatic, paradoxical question or statement that challenges conventional thinking. The eyes in the figure can be seen as windows to the soul, while the fire and numbers symbolize the journey of life through time, marked by experiences that shape one’s being. This artwork calls for a meditation on self-transcendence and the illumination that comes from embracing impermanence.
From an art history perspective, the expressionistic style with bold, almost aggressive strokes, and fiery colors echoes the works of artists like Van Gogh and Munch, who sought to convey raw emotional states. Yet, this piece takes a more introspective turn, where the surreal blend of symbols aligns it with the traditions of visionary art or even late Symbolism. The numerical inscriptions could relate to the use of numbers in Conceptual Art, where they serve not as mere decoration but as a bridge to deeper meanings. Here, they connect the viewer to the ancient traditions of numerology and metaphysics.
Overall, this artwork invites us to explore beyond the visual surface and meditate upon the subtle interplay between change, identity, and enlightenment.
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Currently ships from Oregon, USA
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“#957-96960” was featured in his Yes Retrospective and in volume IV of the series Bob Camblin – N Compleat Workes
Reproductions of this drawing are available in multiple sizes!
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This artwork is available with a non-fungible token to ensure traceability and transparency of provenance.
The royalty factor – Unlike traditional artworks, such as paintings, mosaics, statues, and the like, NFTs can be programmed to provide royalties to you every time the painting (and token) is sold and resold – for eternity. That mind-bending Camblin you sold could be worth millions one day and provide income for your great-great-great grandkids!
Anti-forgery – The central idea underpinning NFTs is that they are built on the blockchain, which is meant to offer advanced security. Think of it like an un-erasable and un-avoidable copyright.
Easy authentication – Another compelling aspect of NFT art and NFTs in general is the ability to quickly and easily authenticate items, as the record of ownership is scrupulously kept on the blockchain.
