Solitude

$7,500

55in x 55in
Acrylic on canvas
Tesfalem Atenaw

I tried to depict a moment when technology takes over and dominates the most private time of an individual. The almost silhouetted figure against the soft light that comes out of the screen of a cell phone represents relaxation and self-confidence. The figure is surrounded by nature and symbolic elements like a classic modeled bicycle and so on.

The whole assembly invites the viewer to contemplate the balance or imbalance between the physical and digital world; the remote mode of communication among each other and the relationship based on that; and the meanings of our old and new values as individuals and collectively as a society. The mosaic-like plated figure evokes fragmentation or disintegration while the great circle behind it creates a sense of unity, harmony, and balance.

The bike, holding a prominent space in the canvas, creates paradoxical ideas like freedom of movement, or else it can evoke a sense of fleeing. The soft color combination, mostly of blue and green, creates both calmness and serenity but on the other hand, it evokes alienation and melancholy.