Wistful windows (variation 1)
Multimedia
66 cm x 103 cm
Artist’s Statement
This work is a contemporary conceptual multimedia work consisting of several layers. The rectangles are irregular in colour, size and spacing, and may be read as windows. In some rectangles, there is an enhancement in silver marker as a ‘projection of energy’ to mimic the reflection of a sunny day’s sun on a window. The repetition of form and soft and sentimental colours aims to elicit a romantic, dreamy and music-like feeling. The objective is to evoke a feeling of playfulness, lightness, of wistfulness and ultimately to evoke a feeling of equanimity, peace and wonder. However, there are harsh, black areas inasmuch as not all memories are good. However, these darker areas are not prevalent and tend to melt in with the whole, like the way that people mostly remember the good and preferably do not dwell on the bad.
The original work is multimedia on up-cycled cotton. After several layers of paint, lines and stitching were added, and then covered with tissue paper, followed by more paint, drawing and stitching. For the final work, the initial, rather fragile work, was photographed and then printed on canvas to provide a basis for further elaboration, which includes textile, drawing, paint and sewing. This repetition and layering serve as a metaphor for the constant return towards and eliciting memories, dreams and wondering. “Variations” (numbers 2-10) of this work cannot be the same, just as an individual’s reminiscing of the same happening differs, hence the number in the title.