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The Tarot Card series is a collaboration between myself and Esmee Asia Turlej.
'The Devil' by Amy Loizou and Esmée Asia Turlej
Charcoal, wire, acrylic spray paint and acrylic on Canvas 170 x130cm
This project is a collaboration between Esmée Asia Turlej and me. I wanted to explore the possibility of collaboration as a series so that not only I can improve my skills working with artists, but also arrange a future exhibition with many works under a similar theme. We started this collaboration together because our styles work well together, as well as some common ground on subjects we paint, such as elements of the female body and the use of colour.
The devil tarot card represents living in fear, domination and bondage. The devil represents all the restraints that bind you away from being the best version of yourself.
We wanted the piece to be visceral, dark, bleak and a good combination of flashes of contrasting bright colours and dark underpainting. We wanted to combine some disturbing elements such as the tail, the ‘see-through’ appearance of the torso along with the angry fleshy red tones that we have used along with the bursts of colour.
I love the combination of different textures and colours that form a piece that not only can be looked at and admired from afar but also close-up. There are details such as ‘written confessions’ and ‘voices’ that Esmee and I have written in reverse and in different languages which allow us to have a close connection to the piece, as well as portray the important things in our life that hold us back, much like the symbolic meaning that the card carries.
We also used some chicken wire and staples to create a frame on the canvas that adds another element of interest. It is representative of the idea of danger as well as protection, much like barbed wire or an electric fence. This adds to the textural element of the piece and will work well with the performance that will be displayed alongside the piece.
The Lovers by Amy Loizou and Esmée Asia Turlej
Acrylic, charcoal and chalk on canvas 130 x 170 cm
The Lovers card represents relationships and choices. When you get the card in a reading, it indicates some decision about an existing relationship, a temptation of the heart, or choices in potential partners.
First, we constructed the underpainting via performance, covering ourselves with our color of choice, (Esmée was red and I was blue) we transferred to paint on the canvas via gestural movements with our hands and occasionally with the brush, these mixed in the center to represent physical touch and spiritually the lover's souls connecting. We also wrote words of representation for this card, aiming to be all-inclusive, regardless of gender or sexuality. Our aim with the footage we recorded of the underpainting is to construct this into a film, alongside the footage we took of 'The Devil' card.
We used snapshots from the performance to construct a good reference photo for the figures. We then began working together constructively to achieve the best outcome with both of our styles.
It has been an absolute honor to be doing a collaboration with another artist, who has become a very close friend during doing so. Our styles work together beautifully and we have many ideas for pursuing an exhibition with all our video and painting work, as well as exhibiting some performances to go with the Tarot collection. I recommend you check out Esmée Asia Turlej's work on her instagram.
We have made plans to make a third and final card 'The fool' sometime in 2023.
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