Release

This is one of a series of paintings by the artist concerned with the basic processes of life and reproduction. In these paintings many of the forms are grouped randomly while others combine into chains or clusters. The artist achieves a three-dimensional quality to the organisms, and also a sensation of movement through their arrangement and treatment. While some works celebrate life's formation, others hint at something darker. In Release there is a suggestion of nature out of control, the sense of threat intensified by the destiny of the black paint. Although it is exquisite and refined, there is a menacing aspect to the picture which evokes contemporary fears about rapacious microbes and deadly viruses such as HIV.