Description
Putting A Lid On It, no date
Lithograph, Allan Otho Smith
Unsigned (what’s the reason for this?)
23.75 x 29.75 x 2 in. (frame)
original, includes certificate of authenticity from ArtTrust
The lithograph “Putting a Lid On It” presents two distinct sections, each featuring symbolic and surrealist imagery. The left side displays a crystal orb resting on a textured surface, with a triangle above it all atop an old paint can. The surrounding space has a textured background that gives a sense of ambiguity and mysticism. Below the orb, text is inscribed, possibly reading “PUTTING IT ALL TOGETHER,” though the letters seem to blend into the drawing’s organic flow. The right side features a column-like structure similar to a canning jar with a mysterious sculptural form atop it, possibly a jester’s cap, evoking the shape of a head or face of the artist. The imagery blends realism and abstraction, creating a dreamlike quality.
In Zen philosophy, this artwork can be viewed as an exploration of dualities and unity. The orb symbolizes wholeness and the nature of reality, while the triangle above it suggests the interconnectedness of the physical, mental, and spiritual realms. The textured background, representing the void or emptiness, signifies the essential nature of reality, which is ever-changing and formless. The column on the right might be seen as a meditation on impermanence, where material forms eventually dissolve back into the void.
The I Ching, or Book of Changes, deals with balance and transformation. This artwork could resonate with the Hexagram “Li” (Fire), which symbolizes clarity, enlightenment, and illumination. The orb could represent an inner light or insight, while the fragmented and shifting appearance of the column on the right suggests the process of continuous change, reflecting the mutable nature of existence as articulated in the I Ching.
Combining Zen and I Ching perspectives, the artwork embodies the idea of searching for inner clarity amidst the chaos of life. The orb and triangle on the left side symbolize the process of enlightenment and unity, while the textured and surreal elements suggest that true understanding requires embracing both form and formlessness. The column with the sculptural shape on the right reflects the struggle to maintain a sense of self amid life’s transient nature. Together, the imagery suggests a journey toward understanding the essence of being through an acceptance of change and impermanence.
This drawing exhibits characteristics associated with Surrealism, a movement that delves into the unconscious and explores dreamlike imagery. The use of organic forms, symbolic objects, and ambiguous textures aligns with the works of artists like Max Ernst and Salvador Dalí, who sought to depict the mysteries of the mind and the hidden layers of reality. The juxtaposition of the orb and the column also hints at metaphysical themes, reminiscent of Giorgio de Chirico’s metaphysical art, where objects are placed in unusual contexts to evoke contemplation on existence and reality.
The artwork’s approach to blending abstract elements with recognizable forms suggests a dialogue between inner perception and outer representation, making it a piece that invites deeper exploration into the human experience.
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“Putting A Lid On It” 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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