Page 30 - Mosaic Digest Magazine

ART IN FOCUS
UNTITLED (SELF-PORTRAIT)
by Linda Karshan
A masterful blend of precision and intuition, Untitled (Sel- f-portrait) captures timeless rhythm, introspection and profound artistic depth.
Linda Karshan’s Untitled (Self-portrait) (1994), part of The Bri- tish Museum’s collection, exemplifies her performance-based artistic method, where creation becomes a physical and meditative act. This work distills movement, rhythm and structure into a deceptively simp- le yet evocative composition, reflecting Karshan’s philosophy that art emerges from the interplay of body, mind and time. Each mark on the page serves as a record of her “inner choreography.”
The minimalist aesthetic of the piece belies its complexity. Com- posed of intersecting lines and geometric forms, it reflects Karshan’s disciplined yet organic approach to mark-making. Her process—tur- ning the paper counter-clockwise, rhythmic counting and deliberate bodily movements—is embedded in the work, creating a sense of ba- lance and order reminiscent of Plato’s theory of numerical harmony. The grid-like structure of vertical and horizontal lines is not just a vi- sual element but a manifestation of her physical engagement with the medium. Each line carries purpose, as if echoing a universal rhythm.
What makes Untitled (Self-portrait) particularly compelling is its duality of precision and spontaneity. Grounded in geometric rigor, the work retains a sense of fluidity and openness, inviting viewers to in- terpret its meaning through their own lens. Its lack of overt represen- tation allows it to function as a mirror, reflecting the viewer’s thoughts while offering insight into the artist’s introspective process.
Karshan’s background in psychology and her engagement with D.W. Winnicott’s theories of transitional space are evident here. The drawing exists in a liminal space between control and freedom, cons- ciousness and the unconscious. It embodies creative play, a concept central to Winnicott’s ideas, where making art becomes a dialogue between artist and medium. This interplay gives the work its vitality and depth.
In Untitled (Self-portrait), Karshan achieves a rare synthesis of intellectual rigor and intuitive expression. The piece transcends tradi- tional self-portraiture, becoming a portrait of her process, philosophy and connection to larger forces of time and space. Its simplicity and depth reward close observation, revealing new layers of meaning with each encounter. This work stands as a testament to Karshan’s unique contribution to contemporary art.
A SECRET LANDSCAPE
by Bettina Weiß
Bettina Weiß’s artwork masterfully blends geometry, color
and texture, creating vibrant, thought-provoking compositions that evoke emotional and intellectual depth.
Bettina Weiß’s artwork explores abstract landscapes where geometry, color and texture converge to create a universal yet deeply personal visual language. Her piece, Portrait of a Secret Landscape, exemplifies her mastery of form and her ability to evoke emotional and intellectual engagement through abstraction. Rendered in oil and acrylic on wood, the composition invites viewers into a dynamic interplay of time, space and color, reflecting Weiß’s intuitive and constructive creative process.
Weiß’s innovative use of geometric shapes forms the foundation of her work. In this piece, overlapping ovals, triangular forms and radiating lines create movement and balance. The central green triangle an- chors the composition while drawing the eye outward, harmonizing contrasting elements of sharpness and softness, order and chaos.
The bold color palette, dominated by warm reds, oranges and magentas, is balanced by cooler greens and teals, creating vibrancy and harmony. A textured, weathered background contrasts with the crisp geomet- ric forms, mirroring life’s unpredictability—a recurring theme in Weiß’s work.
Weiß’s process is intuitive, evolving without preliminary sketches. Layers of paint build depth, with traces of earlier decisions adding authenticity. Mistakes are embraced, reflecting transformation and growth. Her work explores the relationship between microcosm and macrocosm, drawing inspiration from natural patterns and scientific models to reveal the interconne- ctedness of all things.
Portrait of a Secret Landscape showcases Weiß’s ability to push abstraction’s boundaries while mainta- ining emotional depth, offering viewers a transforma- tive experience through her exploration of time, space and color.
WOMAN IN RED II
by Elise Ansel
Elise Ansel’s Woman in Red IImasterfully blends vib- rant abstraction and historical inspiration, creating a visually stunning, transformative masterpiece.
Elise Ansel’s Woman in Red IIis a captivating abstract painting that exemplifies her transformative approach to art. Drawing inspiration from Old Master works, Ansel reimagines traditional narratives through the lens of abstraction, creating a dynamic interplay of color, texture and movement. The painting is charac- terized by bold, sweeping brushstrokes and a vibrant palette dominated by warm reds and pinks, contrasted with cooler tones like blue and green. These elements interact in a layered composition, evoking a sense of energy and spontaneity.
The textured brushstrokes and overlapping shapes create depth and complexity, inviting viewers to explo- re the painting’s emotional and conceptual layers. The warm gradient background, transitioning from deep red to soft pink, provides a foundation for the dynamic interplay of colors and forms. The inclusion of contras- ting hues, such as the striking blue and green strokes, adds balance and vibrancy to the composition.
29 II MOSAIC DIGEST
Ansel’s work challenges traditional artistic conventi- ons, using abstraction to reinterpret historical themes and explore contemporary issues such as gender and inclusivity. Woman in Red IIexemplifies her ability
to deconstruct and transform classical influences into a modern, non-representational visual language. The painting’s energy and luminosity reflect Ansel’s mas- tery of color and her commitment to creating art that transcends time and place.
Through Woman in Red II, Ansel invites viewers into a dialogue that celebrates transformation, creati- vity and the enduring power of art. It is a testament to her unique ability to bridge the historical and the con- temporary, offering a fresh perspective on abstraction.
PAINT • PHOTO • VISUAL ART