On Being Human, Solo Exhibit, The Medicine Factory, Memphis, Fall 2023
After recently completing this series of paintings, I thought about a German movie I have not seen in years, but which seemed relevant. “Wings of Desire” is a 1980’s film directed by Wim Wenders about an angel named Damiel who observes the activities of Berlin’s many human residents, but who, himself, misses and longs for the intimacy of close human contact.
Damiel, unseen by these humans, moves from person to person as they ride on subways, sit at their office desks, or drink coffee in their kitchens, alone and deep in thought. He sees and hears their inner dialogues, their worries and fears, sense of loneliness, or feelings of unfulfillment. Some are haunted by the past; others are anxious about the future. Damiel listens and occasionally intervenes to help these humans free themselves from their doubts and uncertainties. Are these inner dialogues that which separates us from animals?
My paintings pose this question and other queries about what it means to be human. They are not portraits in the traditional sense, but the subjects are all people who have their own stories to tell, just like you and I do. In each painting, an underlying narrative is present and was intentional in my process, but I have chosen to keep the imagery deliberately ambiguous, so that the viewer may project their own stories onto the work. It is through this act that the viewer is able to tap into their hidden stories, creating context and meaning as well as the opportunity to wonder about new ways of being human.
Caped Crusaders, oil on canvas, 24” x 24”, Private Collection
Summer of 72, oil on canvas, 30” x 30”, $3600
Father & Son, oil on canvas, 24” X 24”, Private Collection
Crossing State Lines, oil on canvas, 24” x 24’, Private Collection
Emo Kids, oil on canvas, 20” X 16”, Private Collection
The Embrace, oil on canvas, 24” x 24”, $2300
Teenage Boys, oil on canvas, 22” x 20”, Private Collection
Midnight in Chinatown, oil on canvas, 16” x 20”, Private Collection
