7 masks, 2021

Voichenko Sergiy  

Voich1 

This oil painting, titled "7 masks," is a vibrant and emotionally charged composition that delves into the realm of the abstract with a focus on the human facade. The artwork is an explosion of color and texture that brings the concept of masks, both literal and metaphorical, to the forefront. At first glance, the viewer is met with a large, central mask that dominates the canvas. This mask is depicted with an exuberant grin, painted in warm shades of red and orange, embodying a sense of joy or perhaps a forced cheerfulness. The eyes of this mask are closed, hinting at an inward focus or a refusal to see, which adds a layer of complexity to its seemingly jovial expression. Surrounding this central figure are other masks, each bearing a different emotional state. The masks appear to float against a backdrop that is a dynamic abstraction of colors—splashes of blue, red, yellow, and white collide and blend with each other, suggesting a chaotic or energetic inner world. The masks themselves are rendered with a bold palette and thick, impasto brushstrokes, providing a sense of depth and texture. The colors and the way they are applied serve to convey the intensity of emotions that masks can hide or reveal. The outlines of some masks are clear, while others seem to dissolve into the background, perhaps signifying the transient and interchangeable roles that people often play in society. The number seven could imply a reference to a variety of things—seven days of the week, seven deadly sins, or seven stages of life, suggesting a cyclical or holistic view of human nature. Each mask's expression ranges from laughter to sorrow, from surprise to contemplation, reflecting the multifaceted nature of human emotions and the roles individuals assume in different contexts. "7 masks" might be interpreted as a commentary on the human condition, the complexity of emotions we experience, and the faces we present to the world. It encapsulates a theatrical or performative aspect of life where each mask could represent a different act in the play of life, a different facet of one's identity, or a different emotion that one might choose to display or conceal from others.