The Displaced Works
Courting Chaos: 2008 - 2010
Like lingering traces of dislocated memories
the 16 pieces in this
collection represent an
important transitional
period for
American Artist , Michael Torres
However,
like puzzle pieces
that need to be a-s-s-e-m-b-l-e-d
to tell their story, and to express
their collective meaning,
each one of these images
ultimately serves a unique dual purpose;
leaving just enough behind to provide proof that they happened, that they exist,
2008
About "Self Portrait, 2008"
and that they too belong to themselves,
expressing their own outward appearances (just like we do) and their own restless encounters with fleeting moments,
as they are;
though
also part of other undefined narratives;
Mine/Yours/Ours
At a glance, it's not difficult to conclude that "Self Portrait, 2008" (seen on the left) represents a tale of woe. But, it is also
much more than that, as I found myself yearning for the brush and canvas once again, ultimately abandoning a lucrative photography business and a rich social life to move a mountain instead (fully aware of its difficulty).
Financially, this sudden course correction was certainly irresponsible, and perhaps even self-destructive. And, I quickly paid for that decision, having neglected to establish a safety net before blindly leaping.
Still...
The true significance of this painting is not the wound it reveals, but that it has served as a reminder in tough times; that I understood the risk, leapt (without flinching), and that the cost and reward of my pursuit was, and still is... a choice... rather than an unforeseen and irreconcilable consequence.
Conceptually then, "Self Portrait, 2008" is a passionate declaration, ardently expressing that I have decided to answer "the call", for better or worse; not just claiming the right to choose my own path, but to accept the challenge of traversing a vast unknown, with my heart's yearnings symbolically placed in a box for safe keeping.
2009
Selected Works:
en route to Eviction/Displacement
2010
Selected Works:
from time spent - Displaced -
on my brother's couch
Selected Works:
from time spent - Displaced -
in a friend's guestroom