Odor of History:
A Fusion of Past and Present
In my latest series of paintings, titled "Odor of History," I have embarked on a journey through time, drawing inspiration from the masterpieces of renowned artists such as Da Vinci, Holbein, Mantegna, and Piero della Francesca. Through a synthesis of past and present ideas, I seek to create works that bridge the gap between tradition and modernity, inviting viewers to explore the enduring relevance of historical imagery. At the heart of this series lies a fascination with the interplay between past and present, as I weave together elements from different epochs to create compositions that are both familiar and fresh.
Dead or Alive?, 2020, oil on polyester over panel, diptych, 24 x 96 inches
In 1522, Hans Holbein painted ‘The Body of the Dead Christ in a Tomb’ as a commissioned piece. My inspired piece was painted in 2020 when the Covid pandemic was making its initial sweep. When Holbein painted ‘Dead Christ’ there was a similar plague circulating Europe at that time. It’s been said that his painting represented atheism and the Christian struggle to maintain their faith. The body is shown naked except for the narrow cloth. No stigmata can be seen in my painting and the body is not as dead as in Holbein’s painting. The question is in the title, will we all live or die.
Lamentation of Kristine, 2020, oil on panel, 24 x 48 inches
Pretty Me, 2019, oil on panel, 48 x 192 inches
In Pretty Me, I’ve shown myself in considered opinion of Da Vinci’s drawings of his Grotesque and Divine images. He played with this idea for a good portion of his life. The geometric rectangle in the center of my painting isolates the focus of the eyes as the beholder. The ‘Beauty’ image, being indifferent to my gaze is looking away from my profile to make direct eye contact with the viewer. Grotesque is looking towards my second profile in stern conviction.
The Duke and Me, 2017, oil on panel, 46 inches tondo