Happiness Is Invisible
The complexity and subtlety of love is the theme I explore in the painting “Happiness Is Invisible”. The scenes in this painting relate to relationships between men and women. They are based on both reality and fantasy. I have invented a set of iconographic images to create an environment for the characters who live in my painting. These characters are intended to depict sadness, frustration, suspicion, imbalance of power, desire of possession, and barriers to communication in relationships. They face challenges of love and yet find courage, intelligence, humor, and the kindness to keep moving forward.
The painting is constructed in both oil and acrylic paints. I start with defining scenarios and images in my mind, which I then develop into quick preparatory sketches and line drawings. The painting is based on these sketches and some photographs.
“Happiness Is Invisible” contains many different perspectives.The composition represents the sense of disorientation and confusion that is sometimes found in relationships. Different painting approaches and techniques are applied in this painting. Some of the elements are simple line work; others are meticulously rendered. The design of the painting and stylization of its subjects are very much influenced by contemporary cartoons as well as the Italian dome painting the Assumption of the Virgin in Parma Cathedral painted by Renaissance artist Antonio da Correggio. There is a merging of abstraction and representation in my painting. These distinct styles come together to convey meaning and content that address the ever-changing, multi-faceted and mysterious quality of love relationships.
