This piece seeks to examine a seemingly classical subject in a contemporary context, blending classical and contemporary references and techniques. Sleep: universal and common, but utterly complex. A subject which has been endlessly explored by artists, fascinated by the mythology, parallels of sleep and death, abandonment of control, innocence, serenity, and sensuality it conveys. Sleep is a metaphorical “gray”, a purgatory: one is conscious, but not cognizant, alive but assuming a posture of death, the body rooted in reality as the mind runs in fantasy. Capable of both over powering us, as well as escaping us. Moths and poppies in various stages of life exist to symbolize both sleep and death, delicately framing the serene scene of faceless figures in various positions of rest.
Gold leafing is applied to highlight the imperfections and seams of the piece, imparting a sense of weathered antiquity to these figures, frozen in their nocturnal trance. Flocking is applied to emphasize shadows of some poppies, as well as add to the textural elements of this piece. Visual elements of this piece are the result of a combination of image transfers, as well as acrylic and oil painting.
