Statement
By obfuscating landscape in abstraction, these works allow the viewer to imagine landscape as metaphor—the meeting place of the Divine and the human.
The works are subdued, dark, and minimal, punctuated with pure white or metallic gold which defy other materials. Harsh, raw marks contrast deep, soft tones and crisp geometry. The resulting compositions exemplify a restrained, contemporary style that juxtaposes elements meaningfully: light and dark, precious and common, hopeful and somber, holy and base. The dynamic created between these formal elements is a response to the lived experience of seeking the precious amidst the mundane.
In a time of unknowing, fear, suffering and distraction, this work invites the viewer toward contemplation and reverence.
In Connection with Lent
This series of 40 paintings was created over 40 days in observance of the liturgical season of Lent, leading up to Easter. The prayerful practice gave me a way to learn about Lent by actively participating in the tradition for the first time.
Traditionally the Sundays during Lent are set aside as a rest from the Lenten practice; these days are marked with a gilded placeholder canvas—a day on which a painting was not created. Thus the paintings are displayed in calendar format starting on Ash Wednesday with Sundays at the beginning of each row of 7.
After its creation, I launched a successful Kickstarter campaign to publish the Solemn Season book containing actual-size prints of these works interspersed with a poetic prayer on the themes of supplication, reliance, prospection, and hope.
The Collection
Solemn Season Book
This work is also featured in book format.
Solemn Season Book – 2022
40 Actual-Size Prints of Lenten Reflections spread across 72 pages and interspersed with a poetic prayer by Victoria Yunez Behm (a Master of Theological Studies at Duke Divinity School at Duke University).
First edition, signed by the artist and author. /100 – Sold out.
Second edition, unsigned. /100 – Available
Brian Behm Art 