Barry Motes - Parables & Portals - July 17 -Aug 29





"This work is a personal investigation of spiritual themes and their
relationship to the physical world. The Parables paintings are based
on Biblical stories that convey transcendent truths, which has a rich
art historical tradition in the works of Bosch, Bruegel and Rembrandt. I have reinterpreted some of these stories using allegorical figures in surreal, contemporary landscapes, meant to challenge a cynical post-modern audience. I have been influenced by Magritte, Tooker and Magic Realism of the mid-20th century, and I use traditional painting techniques to create persuasive images with symbolic meaning and psychological resonance.
The Heaven's Door series was inspired by the question of the existence of heaven. Is it in another dimension, beyond the universe or only an imaginary place? My paintings of skies with trompe l'oeil door handles are visual portals that suggest heaven is a tangible place accessible by the child-like faith of an artist."