Astral
- oil on linen
- 22 x 20 x 1.5 in
- $3,850
- Michael Abraham
-
Available
"I think of my lovely wife as an astral traveller, a space creature who lives on this planet, in this particular place, always interested in psychology, relationships, the metaphysical, the nature of consciousness, ‘spiritual’ thinkers, energy, and out-of-body experiences, interested in looking for the deepest of understanding. As a therapist, she’s not afraid to look into life’s black holes, and points herself and others to the light. In the feather there is a lightness, the feeling she makes many feel."
This was one of nine paintings that were on display at Visual Space Gallery from Sept. 28-Oct. 5, 2023, along with a few older Abraham ‘classics’,
The artwork took viewers on a reflective journey, as Abraham explored what is most beautiful and meaningful as he gets older.
Abraham opened up about why his inspiration had shifted from profound social commentary to a more lighthearted focus:
“Not long ago, I had a sister pass away, and my son recently spent four eye-opening months adventuring in Asia… so I feel time moving along. These things have made me think about what I may like to do– or what might already be too late to do, and what I feel so fortunate to have done.”
Initially inspired by the idea of people turning to bucket lists as a way of coming to terms with their mortality, Abraham’s recent body of work centres around capturing the richness of life.
“I’ve heard that the meaning of life is to find meaning in life,” says Abraham. “I like art that encourages reflection. Even the simplest of images, like a propeller, birds in the garden, or an underwater coral reef, can evoke wonder and contemplation.”
three of the images in the Looking Forward Looking back show had 'squirrel suit' images. for another of the pieces he wrote:
Today is the day!
A gravitational pull keeps one grounded, and yet one wants to fly.
Have I always wanted to skydive, but resist? I watch the daringness of squirrel-suit jumpers, and I dream, and yet again, I hesitate.
In Astrophysics, an event horizon is a boundary around a black hole inside which events cannot affect an outside observer. Oh, to not be affected by outside events. Oh, to be free to fly!
Wanting to experience the fullness of life, being bold enough to do something out of one’s comfort zone, or doing that exciting thing one more time!
What am I in this body for? Shall I get that squirrel suit? Shall I try to paint an entire city from my imagination? Being an artist is squirrel suit jumping!
Always looking to the distance for fun and excitement… wanting to do something bold before one’s demise, wanting to get high up enough to see as far as the eye can see.
I have this desire to understand everything… Lofty goals! Shall I get that squirrel suit?
Helmet on!"
- Subject Matter: figurative - surreal