En'light'enment
En'light'enment, 2017, Acrylic on canvas
Name: En'light'enment
Medium: Acrylic on canvas
Size: 60 cm x 80 cm
Year: 2017
Artist's Statement:
Light is a metaphor of enlightenment that comes with knowledge and learning. This work is inspired by a personal experience where books became the guiding light and torch bearers against mediocrity, naivety and illiteracy.The imagery of the candle elucidates an inner glow through the presence of a physical light source positioned in place of the head to portray achievement of enlightenment. I have done this using acrylic to contrast the light and the dark and get a realistic appeal.
I gave the composition a dramatic effect through vignette. The spotlight effect and chiaroscuro gives depth and dimension to the painting. In order to mimic the nature of a light source, I created a radial glow that extends to the darkness beyond. Moreover, the brightness near the flame is the highest as compared to the rest of the composition.
Contrast between color tones and tactile imagery can also be seen throughout the composition. Warm color tones (like yellow and brown) are predominantly used in the painting. These tones are challenged by a slight use of cool colors like white and blue. The texture provided by dry brushstrokes gives the background a wall-like effect that is rough and harsh. This was created as a thematic element as well as a tool that would make the softness of the flame stand out.
As the age of Enlightenment brought forth a wave of varied beliefs and ideas. I wanted to convey what enlightenment meant to me. Ever since I was a kid, I was always a bookworm and understanding different mind-blowing ideologies as a teenager was a little overwhelming and also liberating. Moreover, personally, a candle symbolises a sense of archaism and piety. Further, this inspired the majestic portrayal of the candle as a metaphor for this feeling while alluding to the actual Enlightenment in order to combine the dichotomy of metaphor and literal (reference to title).
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