Whatever it takes to stay up
“Suspended By Belief” (collage, acrylic, gouache on board), by Samira Abbassy, at Moss Gallery, Portland, Maine, through Aug. 30.
The artist explains:
“The subject of much of the work evolves out of the question: How do I create a figure that embodies the metaphysical aspects of the figure? The work is an inquiry into how to reveal the figure as a psycho/emotional being, encountering its various internal states: the violence, ecstasy, and epiphany within. The key to my approach in painting the figure lies in an idea taken from Dante’s Inferno; that figures are“contorted according to their sin.” This implies an embodiment of psychological states, where the physical states mirror psychological dilemmas. Rather than portraits, the figures are archetypes, revealing themselves from the inside out; showing how it feels to be human, and their specific identities help uncover elements of a more universal Self. At times, the figure is represented as many selves, or many aspects of one unified Self, expressing an array of psychodynamic and existential realities.’’
Working on her personality
“Portrait of a Young Girl” (oil on canvas), by Judith Rothschild (1921-1993), at Moss Gallery, Portland, Maine.
— Courtesy of the Estate of Judith Rothschild
