The 3.4.7 Project
The first tableau is the first meeting or exposure of Water and Metal. Inspired by the idea of love at first sight, this moment adds suspense and builds emotional tension. And as Metal and Water look across the room at each other, Indulgence appears loose and relaxed as she sits propped up against Dance, who stands with Water by the window. Peace watches over a sleeping Knowledge. Metal holds onto Painting, who is peeking around the corner into the next room over.
Exposure
The 3.4.7 project depicts a love story between the allegorical figures of water and metal. A supporting chorus of other allegories includes: Knowledge, Peace, Indulgence, Dance, and Painting, portrayed by 6 women I lived with over the past four years. Each character is inspired by thier friendship. These paintings honor our shared experiences. Without them, this project would not be possible.
Reaction
In the second tableau, the tension has reached a boiling point. Outside the door, Painting, Indulgence, Peace, and Knowledge look on with bated breath as Water finally confronts Metal in the bathroom. Pressed up against the sink, metal is entraped by Waters' arms, braced on the vanity on either side of the sink. The only member not looking in on the tense encounter is Painting, who once again is looking down the hallway at something that has caught her eye. The moment in the bathroom could be the moment before a kiss or a confrontation. The audience doesn't know quite yet how the story will unfold.
Inspired by the development of rust through the constant wear of water on metal, this love story is split into three narrative moments: Exposure, Reaction, and Patina. My visual narrative style draws on baroque master techniques from painters such as Artemisia Gentileschi and the historical practice of painters like Elisabeth Vigee Lebrun and Angelica Kauffman, using allegorical figures as a tool for self-expression.
Patina
In the finale, Dance rests next to Painting, who cradles Indulgence in her lap. Water and Metal have found resolution to their tumultuous beginnings. They sleep entwined and surrounded by their closest friends. Only Knowledge remains awake with Peace resting quietly on her shoulder. Where before, Knowledge was unaware of the events unfolding around her, now she shares the tender conclusion of this love story with her views through her soft but striking gaze.
The 3.4.7 project depicts a love story between the allegorical figures of water and metal. A supporting chorus of other allegories includes: Knowledge, Peace, Indulgence, Dance, and Painting, portrayed by 6 women I lived with over the past four years. Each character is inspired by thier friendship. These paintings honor our shared experiences. Without them, this project would not be possible.
Gratitude
Much of this project would not be possible without the generous support of my dear friends Areej, Haley, Laney, Martha, Reghan, and Victoria. They were gracious and gorgeous models for this project, and I am deeply grateful for their participation. Big shout-out to Victoria for being my creative partner in this endeavor. You kept me sane and listened to all my hairbrained ideas. I will always be grateful for your time and energy. Love you all so much!