The Swimmer

400x170cm

Acrylic on canvas, metal nails

Entitled ”The Swimmer” is an examination of a tough period of my life that could be any human’s life. It revolves around the numerous events we go through; the phases, the overwhelming emotions, the sleepless nights, nightmares, burdens, responsibilities, hope, faith, fear and love.

A few years ago, I had a mother; she was diagnosed with a terminal illness. Since then, I decided to move back in with her to share and support her at the end of her journey. It was a profoundly distressing experience yet an unparalleled chance to make the most out of what little time was left –I was fortunate to have been able to indulge and capture moments of time that will never be repeated.

This intimate project is an expression of this stage in my life, materialized into a big interaction of unpredictable painting on a large canvas 4m long. Action painting: including explosive phases and quiet phases -expressing the suppressed feelings-, each phase represented a singular memory with its emotional load. They were all layered on top of each other until the canvas got filled heavily and chaotically.

The final artwork was displayed by fixing the loose canvas to a floating wooden frame with big and small metal nails. This act of crucifixion of the artwork points out the glorious pain and the selfless sacrifice one can do for a loved one.