Friday, September 28, 2012

Why Not?

     In this unusual triptych, Heilsnis' work is dominated by the theme of "why not?".  Two abstract panels with the mirrored "Y" and "W" flank the central concrete panel.  The division of the parchment into three panels allows the viewer to understand the multiple interpretations: "Why Not?" can be seen as either the concrete, traditional ways resurfacing, or the, modern, abstract era shutting out the traditional.  By incorporating the wild colors and swirls of abstract with the murky, hard edges of concrete, Heilsnis compounded on her theme of "why not?".
     The tagger in the central panel may be in the slums of a city with old brick buildings and cold, dark nights, but his tag brings hope to audience, his chosen mark being the word "not?", his word that finished the piece, that reworded the panel, that by itself is negative, gave hope.