Description
New Orleans Mask #30, no date
Casein on Arches
Signed
12.5 x 8.5 in. (image)
15 x 10.75 (frame)
original, includes certificate of authenticity from ArtTrust
This artwork “New Orleans Mask #30” features a variety of fragmented forms and figures, seemingly existing in a cluttered and chaotic space, reminiscent of a gallery or storage area filled with masks, faces, and objects. The color palette leans towards earthy tones, with shades of brown, ochre, and muted greens. The composition has a sense of disarray, with elements blending into one another, creating a collage-like effect. The central corridor extends backward, leading the viewer’s eye deeper into the scene, suggesting layers of hidden stories or memories.
In Zen Buddhism, the concept of “emptiness” (Śūnyatā) is not about nothingness but rather the absence of intrinsic separateness in all things. This piece, with its overlapping forms and fluid boundaries between objects, may symbolize the interconnectedness of all phenomena. The chaotic arrangement can be seen as a reflection on the human mind’s tendency to cling to memories and identities, leading to cluttered thoughts. Through mindful observation, one may find clarity amidst this visual “clutter,” symbolizing the practice of letting go and embracing simplicity.
The I Ching, or Book of Changes, often speaks to the cyclical nature of life and the balance between chaos and order. In this work, the fragmented faces and objects could represent the Hexagram “Ku” (Hexagram 18: Work on What Has Been Spoiled), which speaks to decay and the necessity of restoring order to things that have fallen into disrepair. The scene invites reflection on the process of renewal, suggesting that understanding and organizing the disjointed pieces of one’s life can lead to transformation.
Combining these perspectives, the artwork can be viewed as a meditation on the clutter of life—both physical and mental—and the path to rediscovering order and meaning. The scattered elements can represent the many distractions and attachments that keep the mind from achieving clarity. Zen’s embrace of emptiness and the I Ching’s wisdom on restoration together encourage the viewer to engage in self-reflection and mindful organization of their inner and outer world.
The piece seems to draw inspiration from Surrealist and Symbolist traditions, where the merging of dream-like elements and psychological depth is common. The crowded space and merging forms also echo the works of artists like Hieronymus Bosch, who filled compositions with detailed, interwoven scenes. The layering effect could be interpreted as a commentary on memory and time, reminiscent of post-war European art that dealt with themes of fragmentation and the passage of history.
This artwork may serve as a visual metaphor for the human experience, where past, present, and identity converge into a seemingly chaotic yet deeply interconnected whole.
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“New Orleans Mask #30” 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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