WE HOLD THESE TRUTHS - August 14th -September 11th, 2020
Hurricane 2 Sudan,
66”W x 61”H, oil on shaped canvas
This painting deals with a multitude of issues. Various symbols like the bluish circles with the yellow golden rings cry out the “hurricanes” which are symbolic of the challenges, pain & suffering that people all over the world deal with from time to time. The bright spots of yellow thru out the painting echoes the “sunshine” (joy) that most may deal with in their everyday lives while for some who wait for it to come after the storm.
Change,
14.5”W x 15.5"H, oil on shaped canvas
“EVERYTHING MUST CHANGE” - Singer songwriter George Benson says it best. These lyrics stayed constantly in my head as I was creating this painting: Everything must change, Nothing stays the same. Everyone must change Nothing stays the same… While dealing with a recession as well as hearing about the deadly earthquakes in Haiti and other parts of the world at this time, I felt the negative effects personally and the pain of others suffering around the world. I continually reflected on how change is one of the only constant in life – good or bad. Conditions change and then we change. Within the backdrop and challenge in this painting, I choose to add color to alleviate the pain within to say “better days are ahead” and it is not all “gloom and doom”.
Take A Knee,
84”W x 69’H, Oil, spray paint, charcoal on shaped canvas
This painting highlights some of the ills within the country that affect us all in some way, shape or form. Bringing attention to some of the historical people who have “taken a knee” to “take a stand” for injustice. Drips & splatter of paint along with bold splashes of color echo thru out the painting. Indicative of imbalance, pain, struggle and social protest - all among the back drop of the American Flag.
Say It Loud 3, 63”W” x 59”H, oil on shaped canvas
The Buttons Series
About a decade ago I began creating my smaller “Button” paintings. Unlike my larger works, the idea was to create smaller paintings of the same shape and size. My Button paintings are all 11 x 11, however not on a true 45% angle.
The question one may ask - Is or is it not a true square? -Barry Mason
All “Buttons” are 11”x 11”, oil on shaped canvas