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In my recent submissions to the Small Works show at Webster Groves Library, I explored two contrasting facets of human experience: the precision of mathematics in “A Study of Combinatorial Art” and the raw emotional complexity of faith in “The Nuns of Tanacu.”
“A Study of Combinatorial Art” pushes the boundaries of structure and adaptability, inspired by a call for artwork based on the number 20. With 24 possible color combinations, I chose to include only 20, redistributing portions of the remaining four into the composition. This piece symbolizes how life's limitations often require us to adapt, compromise, and find harmony within constraints. It mirrors the elegance of combinatorial art—a space where simplicity and complexity coexist.
On the other hand, “The Nuns of Tanacu” takes a more somber approach, delving into themes of faith and fanaticism. The painting was inspired by the tragic true story of the Tanacu exorcism, where conviction and devotion led to fatal consequences. Through this work, I reflect on the delicate line between belief and reality, light and darkness, life and death. The figures, cloaked in shadows against a vivid green background, embody the tension between opposing forces, inviting viewers to contemplate the impact of faith and its often-blurred boundaries with fanaticism.
These two pieces, though different in theme and execution, both examine how the human experience is shaped by constraints—whether imposed by the logical framework of combinatorics or the deeply emotional realm of faith. I hope they spark thoughtful reflection on the adaptability, beauty, and complexity that define our lives.
Keep reading for the full artist statements for each piece:
"A Study of Combinatorial Art"
Acrylic on Stretched Canvas
8 inches by 10 inches
A Study of Combinatorial Art explores the intersection of mathematics and art through a visual representation of color combinations. This piece was inspired by a call for artworks based on the concept of "20." The challenge became integrating 4 different colors into a series of 24 possible combinations, while only utilizing 20 of these combinations. By dissecting the remaining 4 combinations into fifths and redistributing
them among the 20, I address the constraints of fitting 24 into 20, serving as a metaphor for life's inherent limitations and the need for adaptability.
This painting reflects a core principle of combinatorial art: the elegant necessity of compromise and adaptation. Just as it is impossible to seamlessly fit all 24 combinations into a framework of 20, life often requires us to adjust and reconfigure our expectations. In the spirit of "C'est la vie," the work embodies the beauty of making do with what we have, finding harmony within constraints, and embracing the complexities of balance.
"The Nuns of Tanacu"
Acrylic on Stretched Canvas
5 inches by 5 inches
Mounted in a 10 inch by 10 inch cradled wood panel
The Nuns of Tanacu is a small yet powerful work that delves into the darker facets of the human experience, exploring themes of faith, fear, and the consequences of blind conviction. The painting captures a somber scene, inspired by the true story of the Tanacu exorcism, where a young nun's life was tragically lost in the pursuit of spiritual purity. The figures in the piece, clad in dark robes and holding candles, represent the duality of light and darkness inherent in acts of faith that cross into fanaticism.
In this work, I aim to reflect on the fine line between devotion and delusion, and how the human experience is often marked by moments where belief and reality clash. The contrast between the vivid green background and the dark-clothed figures symbolizes the tension between life and death, faith and doubt, and the natural and supernatural.
Through The Nuns of Tanacu, I hope to invite viewers to contemplate the complexities of faith and the profound impact it has on our lives and communities. By addressing the fragility of human understanding and the sometimes tragic results of our deepest convictions, this piece aligns with my broader artistic exploration of memory, identity, and emotion, revealing the beauty and pain intertwined in the human journey.
