A space, empty. A place for contemplation. A prayer room, a modern “church” if you will. The human is confronted with the present, the past, the future – ultimately the inevitable end of it all – and what will be left. There is a black figure of death, a red candle and behind the figure is a large painted canvas. The painting has a vertical format. The colors are merely shades of dim grays on a muted white. Forms dissolve in white mist. A thorn tree is barely visible in the distance. To the right of the statue is a small potted tree. The statue carries a rosary made of seeds and is mounted on a small reliquary box made of dark wood. There is a censer for burning copal, frankincense and aloeswood. The walls to the left, right and in the back are empty. The individual enters to face himself and the inevitable.
Tag Archives: void
Schnee von gestern
24 Jan
I took the photos yesterday, fascinated by the contrasts and white spaces that function as a visual divider in the compositions of the images. Some people are afraid of empty spaces. In visual art, horror vacui (from Latin “fear of empty space”), also kenophobia, (from Greek “fear of the empty”), is the filling of the entire surface of a space or an artwork with detail. (see https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Horror_vacui)
I am thankful for any gap, any empty space. The white of the snow has a calming, purifying effect on me. Sadly it’s already gone. Literal snows of yesteryear.
Wiebke Rost 