True Love
(February, 2006)
acrylic on panel
66 inches x 72 inches
this piece is currently
available for purchase.
email me if you like.
This piece was part of a collaboration Rebekah and I did when we were only friends - not yet married or anything. She wrote a poem and I made this painting for a workshop presentation.
The title is meant to be ironic. At first glance I suppose the primary colors and bubbly figures jump out at you and look fun, but after a longer look there seems to be something creepy going on. The guy on the left has a head for a camera - like a photographer or consumer or pornographer who objectifies women and other things for his pleasure. If he has a brain it must be one of those little camera computers that reads light levels and such. The woman sits there passively - with a blank stare, unengaged. She offers her body to the man in return for his money (symbolized in the necklace) or his dogged attention.
The composition is balanced and there are several instances of mirrored features, showing the cooperation going on between man and woman in this cyclical empty spiral of counterfeit love. Another possible title of this painting was American Love, but I didn't want to be too political since this is an issue of corruption and ugliness not only in America.
I have difficulty looking at this painting - my eye has nowhere to rest since there are no genuine people portrayed. Only empty people. And what supports this all? Polka dots floating in the background like camera lights or Broadway or fashion or movies or all popular culture.
My friend Joe Wright also helped me with this painting. Thanks, Joe.
baker