Black As LighT

Black as light is a visual experiment of black paint and its relationship with light. This experiment started as an attempt to cultivate a unique visual language that captures my thoughts and feelings beyond my language capabilities. As I thought about the context for this visual language, I began to experiment with different shades of black in a focused, yet playful manner. The use of black paint as both subject and object draws from techniques of Kerry James Marshall and Pierre Soulages. Through experimentation and incorporation of my own techniques of mark making, I was able to combine references and personal elements to manipulate light in unique circumstances. 

Some discoveries of these experiments include what I consider light and dark expressions. Light expressions are instances where two closely related shades of black are stacked on top of each other, with the lighter shade as the background and the darker shade as the foreground, creating an illuminating surface. Dark expressions are instances where the background is composed of a dynamic color landscape, layered beneath a translucent black wash creating dimensional depth and pronounced forms. 

I must admit, these are paintings about painting. My combination of intent and intuitive discovery has resulted in paintings of implied beauty and artistic discernment. These works are not explicit in visual intent, therefore, the viewer is tasked with examining the textures, shadows, and feelings derived to find meaning and personal interpretation.