Monotypes

Neps, Anonymous Social Media Portrait Series, monotype and acrylic painted collage, 31 x 41

2,800

BOY, Anonymous Social Media Portrait Series, monotype and acrylic painted collage, 31 x 41

Crescent Care Collection, Canal St. NO. LA, Arthur Roger Curator, 2024


Bae, Anonymous Social Media Portrait Series, monotype and acrylic painted collage, 31 x 41

2,800

JJ, Anonymous Social Media Portrait Series, monotype and acrylic painted collage, 31 x 41

2,800

Immortales #4

Monotype painting Collage, Mixed Media

22 x 29 framed

1,400

Immortales #1

Monotype painting Collage, Mixed Media

22 x 29 framed

1,400

Immortales #3

Monotype painting Collage, Mixed Media

22 x 29 framed

1,400


IImmortales #2

Monotype painting Collage, Mixed Media

22 x 29 framed

1,400


The facial portion of these painted monotype collages are from mug shots. This particular subject and others that I used in this series were of felons with multiple charges and arrest records. I was reminded of the desperate and dire prospects for many youth of my city and the dismal reports of crime and death here in New Orleans Parish. In this case, I depicted the subject as an octopus with multiple arms. The hands were painted from observation as I posed in front of the mirror. It is often the case that octopi are characterized as villainous and untrustworthy; in real life he most likely faces judgment or prejudice for his skin color or race. There are complex social and political factors that affect the future challenges of race and progress for minorities in America. Despite his shortcomings or inability to escape circumstances and socio-economic cycles of crime and poverty, I sought to portray some sense of dignity and worth to his life. I found these candid mug shots interesting in that the figures often suggests a sense of defeat and or even reserve about his or her predicament. Do they see any wrong in their criminal behavior as a means of survival? Can society continue to dismiss the challenges of minorities and inner-city youth as casualties of their own making?

Awakening

Monotype painting transferred to Arches 88

18 x 24 

1200

Surveyor

Monotype painting transferred to Arches 88

18 x 24 

1200

 The Illusory ring of eyes watching over the resting figure was inspired by ceramic floral wreaths that are sometimes placed on grave-sites or within mausoleums that I observed in Paris. In this case instead of flowers, the eye’s perhaps watch over or maybe even glaringly judge the resting subject. Here, the figure is possibly deep in thought or sleep, or maybe even contemplating his mortality. 


Seeing Veil

Monotype painting transferred to Arches 88

18 x 24 

1400

  The evil eye is a malevolent look that many cultures believe able to cause injury or misfortune for the person at whom it is directed.  Whether it be for reasons of envy or dislike, talismans have been created to protect against the evil eye. Interestingly they are also frequently called "evil eyes themselves.”  The gaze of the evil eye is usually given to others who remain unaware.  In this painted print “Seeing Veil,” the figure has closed eyes perhaps avoiding judgment or maybe he sees through the “evil eye” himself?

(bottom middle) 


Perforate

Monotype painting transferred to Arches 88

18 x 24 

1200

Nectar

Monotype painting transferred to Arches 88

18 x 24 

1200

  I have always been fascinated with birds as subject matter as they usually represent freedom, but at the same time they are often erratic, cautious and usually unapproachable.  Perhaps there is something poetic and ever attractive about that notion of freedom.  Why is that we sometimes desire that ability to fly away as an independent spirit?  In this piece the figure reacts to them, perhaps even frustrated by their nervous energy.  Perhaps he is encouraging them to find a new life, a new home or place of migration.


Milagros

Monotype painting transferred to Arches 88

18 x 24 

1200

 I have always been interested in religious reliquaries and man-made objects or symbols of religion that serve as a physical reminder to a person of faith.  I wore a Catholic scapula for years and felt unprotected even if I took it off to shower.  The Mexican or Iberian folk charms called Milagros that are traditionally used for their symbolic healing powers inspired this piece.  My favorite is in the shape of the hand. Similar to the eyes that guard a number of the figures in this series, the hands adorning his necklace come to life creating an illusion of protection.  


Tempered monotype, Black Pencil on Arches 88 paper, 9” x 11” 2012


 La Pinata esta Rota, Monotype Collage Black Prismacolor, Mixed Media, 2012, (left) 2400

 


 Constrictor, monotype, acrylic, color pencil on Arches 88 paper 2012 (left) 2400

I have always been interested in creating work that asks the viewer to participate in a dialog between the figure and its environment.  Whether real or synthetic, I try to create environments that make the viewer just as aware of the surface of the painting as they are the implied illusion of depth.  Flat or abstract shapes call attention to the surface plane white traditional value scale painting or chiaroscuro light effects allow the subject to emerge from the darkness. 

By rolling the brayer tool with ink over objects such as netted onion bags it creates a pattern similar to the scales of a snake.  The figures writhe and intertwine creating a fabled narrative reminiscent of biblical or mythological narratives. I also thought of paintings of Christ’s wounds such as Caravaggio’s depiction of Saint Thomas poking at the would on Christ's chest.  You can also look for the impressions of surgical gloves, a condom and rubber bands within the complex layers.