Description
New Orleans Mask #29, no dateCasein on Arches
Signed BC (what’s the reason for this?)
8.5 x 6 in. (image)
14.75 x 10.75 (frame)
original, includes certificate of authenticity from ArtTrust
The painting “New Orleans Mask #29” presents an abstract, dreamlike composition, featuring multiple overlapping and intersecting figures. The colors are predominantly muted with pastel-like hues and subtle earthy tones, creating a surreal atmosphere. The figures appear to blend into one another, some animalistic while others take on humanoid or mystical forms, as if portraying a collection of spirits or archetypal entities. Golden orbs are scattered throughout the composition, potentially representing points of light, energy, or spiritual essence.
From a Zen perspective, the artwork can be seen as a meditation on the interconnectedness of all beings and forms. In Zen, the notion of “no-self” suggests that the boundaries between individual entities are illusory, and this image reflects that concept by merging figures together seamlessly. The diffuse colors and gentle blending evoke a state of mindfulness where distinctions fade, emphasizing the fluid and ever-changing nature of existence. The golden orbs could symbolize “kensho” or moments of enlightenment, where one briefly glimpses the true, interconnected nature of reality.
Applying the I Ching, we can look at Hexagram 49, “Revolution (Molting).” The image’s theme of transformation and merging aligns with the concept of shedding old forms to reveal a new state of being. The disparate figures may represent various states or phases in this ongoing process of change. The golden orbs could be seen as signifiers of clarity or illumination arising amidst transformation, reinforcing the idea that with the dissolution of rigid identities comes the opportunity for growth and new understanding.
Integrating these perspectives, the image serves as a visual exploration of transformation and the dissolution of boundaries between self and other. The overlapping figures can be understood as representations of different facets of consciousness or spiritual entities, each contributing to a holistic understanding of life’s interconnected nature. The golden orbs act as symbols of insight that emerge when distinctions are dissolved, reminding the viewer of the transient and mutable nature of existence. This aligns with Zen’s teachings on impermanence and the I Ching’s emphasis on cyclical transformation.
In terms of art history, the piece bears similarities to works from the Symbolist movement, which often explored themes of mysticism, dreams, and the subconscious. The blending of figures and surreal use of color also evoke comparisons with the Surrealist movement, where the boundaries between reality and the imagination were frequently blurred. The image’s spiritual tone might connect with the tradition of visionary art, where artists seek to depict otherworldly experiences or inner spiritual landscapes. Techniques such as soft shading and overlapping lines give the work a sense of ethereal layering, enhancing its dreamlike quality.
Together, these analyses create a rich understanding of the image as a meditation on transformation, interconnectedness, and the fluidity of existence.
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“New Orleans Mask #29” was featured in his Yes Retrospective
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.
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