Transitions

Transitions is a series of six brightly colored acrylic paintings that explore “recognizable signifiers” in art first postulated by Ferdinand de Saussure and Charles Pierce in their studies about language.  Portraits of religious symbols or persons are painted on a background of graffiti and/or street art. These signifiers are used to symbolize the transmutation and changes taking place in religion and art today.  Graffiti, understood by an anti-art and youth culture, is juxtaposed with the religious signifiers understood by an older generation, thus postulating trends of legitimizing street art while depicting established religions in decline. 

 The inspiration behind Transitions explores the visual juxtaposition of portraiture and design which I first observed in the art of Gustav Klimt.   By positioning the established signifiers against the graffiti, I create transitional signifiers.  My brightly colored graffiti backgrounds represent an art form gaining a legitimate place in art such as paintings by Shepard Fairey within the collection at the Smithsonian.  The acceptance of graffiti against old established religions enables me to visually articulate the decline or transitions I witness.  The portraiture representing six major religions (Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, Judaism, Buddhism and Atheism) represents established signifiers.  Painted in a semi-realistic manner on four foot square canvas pallets they depict a system in flux. 

 The series Transitions creates a dichotomy by positioning understandable signifiers against unknown signifiers, which create tension and a dynamic in the paintings.  Incorporating bright colors of today’s street art creates a visual texture that unifies the work and stimulates the visual and cerebral senses.  The colors elicit a desire to understand the signifiers.  It is these transitions along with known and unknown signifiers that inspire my work.

Transitions in Hinduism, 4′ x 4′, acrlyic on canvas SOLD.

Transitions in Islam, Acrylic on Canvas, 4′x4′ at $250.00.

Transitions In Buddhism, Acrylic on Canvas, 4′x4′ SOLD.

Transitions in Atheism, Acrylic on Canvas, 4′x4′ at $250.00.

Transitions in Judaism, Acrylic on Canvas, 4′x4′ at $200.00.

Transitions in Christanity, Acrilic on Canvas, 4′x4′ at $200.00.