Description
New Orleans Mask Faux Pause, 1994
Casein on Arches
Signed
14.75 x 10 in. (frame)
original, includes certificate of authenticity from ArtTrust
The watercolor “A Faux Pause” depicts a figure (or figures) with an elongated head, mask-like face, and outstretched limbs. The background is a vibrant green, which contrasts with the figure’s multi-colored attire. The red skirt and blue-tinted legs suggest an element of ritualistic dress, while the mask features a simple yet eerie expression. The nightmarish figure appears to be in motion, perhaps dancing or floating, and the overall watercolor style gives the composition a fluid and almost ethereal quality.
In the context of Zen Buddhism, the figure may symbolize the human struggle to transcend individuality and merge with the flow of existence. The floating stance and minimalist facial expression evoke a sense of surrender to the present moment, suggesting mindfulness and acceptance of one’s circumstances. The use of vibrant colors contrasts with the figure’s neutral expression, hinting at the duality between inner tranquility and external chaos. The green background, often associated with nature, reflects a return to simplicity and the grounding of self within the natural world.
The I Ching, or Book of Changes, could relate to the hexagram for “K’an” (water), which symbolizes flow and adaptability. The fluidity in the painting’s brushstrokes and the figure’s ambiguous movement echo this theme. The figure’s ambiguous posture might also represent the concept of yielding in the face of external forces, embodying the notion of finding stillness within motion, which is a principle in the I Ching.
Combining these perspectives, the artwork appears to convey the journey of self-awareness and surrender. The floating figure, with tribal elements and abstract presentation, embodies the Zen idea of being present and embracing the flow of life. The brushstrokes and watercolors bring fluidity, aligning with the I Ching’s principles of adaptability. The green background connects the figure to nature, hinting at the oneness of all beings and encouraging viewers to see themselves in harmony with the larger world.
This piece seems to draw from expressionist traditions where bold colors and loose brushstrokes convey emotion over realism. The tribal motif may be inspired by primitive art, echoing the works of artists like Paul Klee, who often used childlike forms and bright colors to explore subconscious themes. The figure’s mask-like face could be influenced by African or indigenous art, reflecting a fascination with spiritual practices and rituals. The dynamic pose and abstract representation align with modernist themes that seek to express the essence of movement and life beyond physical form.
This layered approach invites viewers to reflect on the fluid boundaries between the material and spiritual, individual and collective, static and dynamic.
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“New Orleans Mask Faux Pause” 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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