Industrial Cross

Industrial Cross, oil on canvas, 40” x 30”

For a while I was fascinated by chain link fences, not just because they create interesting patterns and shadows, but because they can also symbolize the way we separate ourselves from nature and create barriers of defense. In this painting I was able to juxtapose the chain link pattern with the added complication of the tennis court curtain behind it. I decided to add the red ribbon for a soft contrast to the hard industrial subject.

This painting was made during the height of the AIDS epidemic and everyone was wearing red ribbon loops on their lapels to show solidarity and support. It wasn't until after the painting was finished that I realized what my unconscious had created. That's true for a lot of my work. I don't know what my unconscious was up to until after its finished.