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5 p.m. Awakening |
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Series: Luminous London Note: Full size prints to be released for forthcoming ‘Luminous London’ exhibition |
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Left: Click image to view uncensored cards & prints at Imagekind.com |
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Left: Click image shown left to view the widest range of merchandise featuring a detail of this painting at Zazzle.com |
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About this painting: This is a tribute to several things— the early Cubism of Braque and Picasso, the glamorous Art Deco period especially as epitomised by London’s stunning Shell Mex Building (shown in the distance) and Artist Tamara De Lempicka, elegant strength of idealised male form, the excitement of city illuminations, surrealism and symbolism. Part of the ‘Luminous London’ series, 5pm embodies mystery and contradiction. The anatomy seems realistic, but is actually quite fantastical with imaginary elements, especially at the base of the spine. Like many painters, I can lose track of time and surroundings and enter a very altered state concentrated on brush and paint only. Standing back I often find that my unconscious has contributed in unexpected ways. The spine symbolises strength, mobility and sensation. Here ‘arrived’ an upward looking phoenix with wings rising - symbolising multiple new beginnings, survival against odds etc. Although we don’t know why he stares out across the Thames River, searching or waiting, perhaps waiting for a certain time to appear on the clock in the distance—symbol which also refers to cycles of dissociation and association. ‘5pm’ is certainly about personal strength, resilience and enlightenment at times of darkness. The curtain and moon also hint at things hidden, or split consciousness—also depicted with the Cubist sky. ‘5pm’ was my first nude, so it also has themes of truth and relationship. |
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Related works: 5pm Charcoal Wild |