The King Beneath the Surface (2018) presents a tiger moving through the water in a quite and solitary setting. The painting has mastered the scene extremely well and thus allows us to observe the tiger at ease and relaxed. Below the tiger is its own reflection in the water which, despite being distorted by the waves of the water, showcases equal power to the tiger suggesting what lies beneath isn’t loud or visible at the first appearance but holds its own weight.
Furthermore, there are two tigers- the physical tiger that we can observe directly from the painting and the one within the reflection. The depth of the oil painting gives the water movement and exemplifies the richness of colour within the tiger’s coat. The light that reflects from the water is soft along with the forest and rocks in the background allowing the tiger to take centre stage within the composition without distraction.
The composition is also not dramatic with the strength but very restrained- showing that within the solitude and calm of the environment- the tiger’s strength and power are still very real. The viewer is then compelled to find this meaning in the simplicity – of how the tiger gracefully wades down the water; how its reflection is paused yet the tiger shows its grandeur.
The work is thus nature observed through appreciation as mentioned prior; the tiger has not been dramatised but rather allowed to be itself. The viewer must pause and observe the work and take in the atmosphere and feel the moment.
Echoes of Childhood (2007) is an immensely realistic colour pencil composition where still life has been turned from not just recording objects onto a canvas or paper but rather a way of life and tradition. Despite still-life typically not having figures or people; their presence is felt through the objects within the composition. The edges of the knife are softened from use- the bottlenecks are twine-wrapped which also suggests usage, care and time’s passage.
Every object within the composition is soft- the aged wood, the reflections from the glass, the straw being brittle and the light sheen on the hazelnuts. The light gently wraps around the objects; the glass bottles in particular and guides the viewers eye around the composition allowing the viewer to appreciate each object shown. The warm and cool tones in the work are extraordinarily well-balanced and thus have built warmth and depth creating a homely atmosphere.
Objects are leaning, resting and sitting naturally; everything feels calm and rested. The large clay jug has a matte surface which contrasts against the transparency and refractions of the two glass bottles; behind the three objects- you will find dried plants which give the composition a glow while also diffusing softly into the background. The overall softness and quietness of the work allow us to be guided slowly and observe the small details becoming appreciative of time when it was not urgent and rushed. Everything is grounded to bring us back to a time when we did not need to worry or go through life hurriedly.
Grandfather’s Embrace (2020) shows a child resting his head on his grandfather’s lap. This instantaneously introduces contrast from the interaction between one generation to another but also between vulnerability and stability- fragility and protection. The composition is also grounded as the setting is calm and collected- blurred greenery behind the bench helps to reinforce an everyday setting.
The child’s expression is soft; yet there’s also a trace of sadness- or possibly fatigue contrasts against the aged, weathered and veiny hand of his grandfather. The veins, wrinkles and ageing of the hand show the lived experiences of the grandfather and the grandfather’s story. The two are close in the work; not shown through gesture but through the child clinging to the grandfather and the grandfather resting his hand with care. This therefore expresses the artwork- a wordless kind of love that asks for nothing in return.
The artwork suggests that the more simple things in life can give comfort and something more lasting- a moment that many of us have felt and thus it gives power to the composition. Overall, it shows tenderness and that small everyday moments have meaning and depth- that the bond between generations becomes something that you can feel just by looking at the portrait. It is not a portrait of just a child and his grandfather but rather what care truly looks like.