Abstracting to reunite.

There's no real title for this painting, but I see guardians, portals and am reminded of the intricacy of the creative process and all the mechanisms that it puts at play. It was during a period where I was leaning into the dynamics of primary colours, when I lived in the cul de sac on 31 Xuan Dieu in Hanoi. Blessed by the privilege of a two bedroom apartment, I would set up in my second bedroom painting studio, taped rows of large un-stretched canvas to the walls, lit up a joint in 35 degree 90 percent humidity and splashed paint for hours. These were unique times, stranded in Vietnam during the Covid 19 epidemic, teaching English part-time from home. It was formative in the development of my visual language which I think is now quite easily identifiable.

I had the peculiar experience of reuniting with this painting when reuniting with the paintings owner, Brendan of G’out, in Cork in the south west of Ireland.

It was on the wall in front of the bed where we stayed and we sat in dialogue for some time, high and far from anywhere that I was familiar with.

There is so much to explore in these abstractions. Archetypical internalisations, mental process, journalling, subconscious discussion with the self.

To reunite with old work and good mates is a gift.