Confined Conditions

Exploring memories, emotional states and battles fought with the inner voice, Confined Conditions consists of 20 various ink paintings crafted within and captured beneath the clear surface of an acrylic box. Each work is sized at 9,650px by 13,824px. The weight of nostalgia, fluctuating states of mind, sensitivity of time, effects of isolation and relationship with self are key themes across the series.

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Abstract artwork with blue and white hues, featuring flowing and layered textures.

Abstract artwork with swirling orange and purple hues

abstract monochromatic blue and white textured painting with a rectangular frame

Abstract painting with white and red brushstrokes over a dark background.

Abstract blue and white artwork with a central oval shape.

Abstract painting with red, white, blue, yellow, and black colors blending and swirling together.

Abstract painting with swirling red, yellow, and black colors.

Abstract artwork with swirling blue, white, and pink colors.

Abstract painting with chaotic brushstrokes in red, blue, and white hues.

Abstract black and white painting with swirling and textured brush strokes.

Abstract image resembling a skull in blue tones

Abstract painting with splatters of multicolored dots on a pink and blue background, resembling a cosmic or celestial scene.

Abstract artwork with red and black background featuring white splatters and drips

Abstract art with swirling white brushstrokes on a dark background

Abstract painting with vertical brush strokes in black, gray, and white tones, resembling a textured, layered surface.

Abstract artwork with blue circular pattern on yellow background

Abstract art with dark and light blue brush strokes, random splatters, and lines on a black background

Abstract painting with swirling blue, orange, and white colors on a dark background

Abstract blue and white artwork resembling a cosmic wave with speckled stars.

Abstract painting with red, black, white, and blue brushstrokes.

Abstract blue and white painting with fluid shapes and light spots

Blue World

Confined Conditions is an expressive exploration of memories, emotional states and battles fought with the inner voice. Each piece is a digitally altered capture (9,650px x 13,824px) of various ink paintings beneath the clear surface of an A4 acrylic box, with its walls naturally creating a frame and feeling of presence for each work. The weight of nostalgia, fluctuating states of mind, sensitivity of time, effects of isolation and relationship with self are key themes across the series.

Abstract painting with swirling blue and white brushstrokes

Cycles

Inspired by scanography artists Mariëtte Kotzé & Jaime Ruas, the process of painting within the confines of a box and capturing it from below revealed intriguing connections over months of experimentation.

Abstract painting with red, blue, and white brushstrokes

Episodes

Abstract artwork with vibrant blue and red colors, featuring swirling patterns and intricate textures.

Hidden Aches

Using the same box throughout, with compositions restricted by its walls, all elements once scanned would need to be vigorously cleaned and scrubbed away before beginning again. Speaking to the idea of ‘boxed consciousness’, old emotionally charged memories were revisited, where we feel hostage to the deception of the mind, before being able to let go, ‘clean up’ and move on. These works jump from one state to another, echoing the heavy yet fragile ups and downs of life and mental health.

Abstract blue and white watercolor artwork featuring a central oval shape.

Self-Confrontations

Mixing various inks and liquids with different methods of application, combined with long scans to capture at extreme detail, the process blends chance and intention with elements of scarcity, stillness and surprise. To me they are less of a ‘quick snap’, and rather a long gaze and download of crafted ‘locations’ my heart and mind have been before.

Abstract circular pattern with blue and green hues on a yellow background

Childhood

Abstract painting featuring broad white brushstrokes on a dark background with splashes of red paint.

Trapped

Scanning the underside of the plexiglass surface also meant I was capturing the rear application of paint, rather than what usually faces us. Being on ‘the other side’ felt symbolic of new perspectives I’ve gained through therapy, psychedelic experiences and growing up – a journey of expression and understanding.

Abstract artwork with swirling patterns in orange, purple, and white hues.

When the Sun Goes Down

Drawing on my background in photography and departing from my usual process of completely digitally transforming physical cardstock paintings, it was empowering to bring more of my cathartic physical painting process directly to the scanner. With a raw, melancholic undertone to this collection, there’s also still a great sense of gratitude I hold throughout – resonating deeply with my therapeutic and experimental relationship with art and abstraction.