Experimental Painting : Painting Final: Horizons Lost

Kaelyn Okuhata

Advanced Painting

Spring 2015: Halloran

Painting Final: Horizons Lost

This piece is a series of five oil paintings made over the past month, each for a specific individual. Each panel is 33x44in and displayed horizontally next to each other. The reason for this layout is the consistent horizon line that connects each piece. These paintings are inspired by photographs from Catherine Opie’s surfers and icehouse series. These two series feature completely different subjects, however, they are photographed in a similar way to capture a specific essence of what it means to exist on an existential terrain. For both the surfers and icehouses, solidary figures are seen awaiting something beyond the horizon. Both surfers and icehouses are a part of a temporary community, which leaves behind an eerie sense of belonging, always waiting for something to happen. Whether they are waiting for a wave or a storm to break the horizon line, the figures in each series are all wandering lost. However, it seems that they find comfort in being with each other, although they are separated and can only communicate silently.

The paintings in this series also reflect a sense of a needing to belong and connect with others through various settings. Each painting captures the scenery of a specific view of an ocean, from the perspective of the individual. The view is slightly abstracted through staining patterns and melting forms, which emphasize the sense of time as a distinct memory. Not only are the paintings meant to exhibit the memory of the location, time of day, and feeling of existing in that space, but also capture the overall personality of the person that each panel is painted from. This representation of individual personas is displayed through use of color and brush stroke, as some paintings are more robust and chaotic while others are more calm and collected.

Just like the variances of the ocean, each piece symbolizes the different perspectives of visualizing one’s ideal setting. More importantly than the ocean itself, with its currents, reflections, and tides, is the horizon line that we seek to discover. Some imagine what’s beyond the horizon, while others simply acknowledge that it is an unattainable phenomenon. What this piece tries to accomplish with a horizon line is trying to discover what is lost, and attempt to connect them without disturbing where they are headed. Just like old friends that have been separated into completely different worlds. This piece is a reminder that everyone is connected through one permanent path that keeps moving forward. No matter how lost one may seem, comfort and consistency can always be found on the horizon.

Catherine Opie: Surfers & Icehouses

http://www.guggenheim.org/new-york/education/school-educator-programs/teacher-resources/arts-curriculum-online?view=item&catid=728&id=103

http://www.art21.org/videos/short-catherine-opie-cleveland-clinic