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The Exodus of Giants, oil on MDF board, 80X55 cm.
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I recently
finished a painting, titled The Exodus of Giants, that has been commissioned by
an art collector from France. It’s a pity I wasn’t able to finish this piece
earlier, so that we could include it in my upcoming book on giants. Speaking of
The Book of Giants, the book is at the printer right now and is expected to be printed
very soon.
There is a wide spread
opinion that a good painting must speak for itself and therefore doesn’t need any
explanation, or additional information, in order to be properly experienced by the viewer (whatever that “properly” might
mean). While I generally agree, I am at the same time well aware of the limitations
imposed by such a notion. It all depends
on the type of painting (art) on one hand, and the spectator’s mindset on the
other. It often happens that one is able to experience a painting more fully
and to connect with it on a deeper, emotional level if one is aware of the painting’s
context, whether historical, social, philosophical, or
purely artistic. Even
a little story, or
an anecdote, about the artist and the painting’s genesis can trigger an
emotional response
and unlock the flow of associations in the viewer’s mind. When viewing
art we basically deal with symbols and concepts that represent
both outer and inner world. Their impact on our psyche is the most
important thing. Much of the communication
with an art object happens at the unconscious level, and the more
emotions involved in this "interaction", the stronger the bond with that
piece of art. This is quite obvious.
When I showed this
painting for the first time, a few persons responded by asking: “Where do they
get those furs?” Somebody else commented: ”I think you should be aware that
giants would have to have a very different muscular and skeletal structure,
otherwise they would be crashed under their own weight.”
One experiences art,
like all other things, as one wants, or must. Every time you show your art work
to the public you throw yourself before the lions, so to speak. Nothing wrong
with that, as long as you are able to withstand whatever the audience throws at
you, both good and bad. It can break you, but it can also help you grow, we all
know that. Nevertheless, there are situations in which a kind of short sightedness
and narrow-mindedness becomes apparent. I believe this can be corrected to a
certain degree by giving an appropriate explanation, or sharing a related story
that can inspire and stimulate the public to expend its view.
When it comes to having a “proper” experience of
art that deals with mythological themes I can say the following
- before entering a mythological realm, which is a place situated deep within
the human psyche, for the Unconscious is the birthplace of myth, one is
required to leave one's usual logic and rational thinking behind. It's of no
use there for these "imaginary" worlds have their own reality, their
own laws, and their own logic. Therefore, use your imagination and harness your
dreams. But, beware of a deadly danger lurking in the shadows…You might come
across your true self down there. ...At least that is my own experience.
At the end, and with the
hope that you will experience this painting “properly”, and not ask about the
furs, or G-force, here is a short part from The Book of Giants that inspired the
painting's creation: “…Alas, the giants had overestimated
their own strength and were eventually defeated by the gods. Many were slain in
battle, while the rest fled into deep cracks and hollows under the mountains,
disappearing from the face of the world for a long period of time. After many
years spent in their somber refuge, the giants discovered the existence of an
unknown land. This green and lush country was hidden behind an invisible
barrier for so long that even the gods had forgotten it. But not all giants
dared to leave the relative safety of their underground shelters and chose
instead to stay. Those who did immigrate to the new land found a safe haven,
which allowed them to walk freely in the daylight once again. This is known as the first exodus of
giants.”
