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DaveWhitlam — Mid Mourning
Published: 2010-01-24 21:58:50 +0000 UTC; Views: 1448; Favourites: 41; Downloads: 52
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Description
Oil on canvas 80x100cmThis image is about death, or more specifically about the pain of grief felt by those who live on. A partially mummified body lies on a slab in the foreground surrounded by the shrouded figures of mourners. Each member of the group wears a mask depicting anguish and suffering, though the full extent of their emotions remain hidden from view. Although the dead character resembles an Egyptian Pharo, it is not intended as a historical image, but rather as a symbolic piece representing the complex rituals which surround death.
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Comments: 8
Fascinating stuff. The masks seem to play on the "masque,"supported by an almost medieval feel to the work. The ritualization of grief; does it alleviate or intensify the actual grief felt; or is it something that is simply done for the sake of historical continuity? Only the expressions behind the masks will tell, such as the closest mourner, who is genuine. The devil mask looks away. This is so full of imagery the unity of the ritual ceases to be something that unifies, but divides. Great work.
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I like the wrinkles on their masks' foreheads.
Also, the arches in the distance-- you've made up a nice gradient with the orange, feels like mist over some distant silhouettes of buildings, a city, at sunset...
The autumn of their years.
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