untitled :missing land1

I could perhaps say that Missing Land was the first step into realising a series of related images; hence, this is the common title I'll be using, though I suspect I will sooner or later change it. I just have nothing better yet at the moment, and missing land sounds familiar enough. I find in it a more ironic than descriptive value, too.
The elements common to all these images have existed in my work since I started drawing in 1998, with the most characteristic being the semi-organic towering structures. Though firstly incorporated in a fantasy context (I was heavily influenced by fantasy in my late teens), I have for the past two years not been quite satisfied with it and try to shift the nature of this context towards a more clearly -- and independently -- symbolic one. Of course, I do not think I would like to make 1:1 symbolisms; for one thing I don't believe it is possible, and secondly, perhaps most importantly, what I like in the generic nature of symbolism is its broad communicative ability. This is why I insist that my works are interpreted as one wishes to interprete them. They are not dogma; they are hints.

There are several matters I have not resolved concerning the images, the symbolism, their context and mesage. For instance -- how much do they fall into the category of fairytales? I now know I am not satisfied with the fairytale (fantasy) concept. At least, not in the sense most people tend to perceive it as -- that is, an outworldly escape; I have gone through -- and got over -- that stage. On the other hand, though conceptually things seem to be somehow maturing, I do not feel (hopefully, just not yet) capable of pulling off the work itself, in its realised form, a step further towards the direction I feel and need to take it in, so in a way I find it still stuck with some fantasy elements.

Regarding this piece -- it is more of a study, one of many. Also an experiment with pure colours, which has resulted in a much less murky colour scheme than is my usual habit. =p

Acrylic on canvas, 40.5x47.5cm
February 2005.

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