What does it mean to be invisible? It could be current reality which is not in the realm of visible like emotions, attitudes, or beliefs. It might also refer to someone or something which is commonly observable visually, but has been rendered unseeable by its absence. In such a case, as in this painting, the object becomes negative space and is defined by the objects associated with its normal presentation… a hat, clothes, gloves, and a mask.
Although pictured within a broken frame, there is a three-dimensional presentation to this missing person with gloves, tie, and hat defying a two-dimensional print. Thereby, the simple interior portrait abruptly and disconcertingly animates into an event rather than a picture. The concept of Portrait now requires the observer to intellectually move back and include the borders of the entire painting. By including a chimney with smoke (crematorium) to which the broken upper frame directs the observer’s attention; a string supporting the hat (almost a noose hanging from a gallows crosspiece), but which grows deeper red (with blood?) as it wraps the frame and forms an “X” (death) toward the base; a blue striped (tallit) but blood-red tie; and dark gloves which are disturbingly prominent due to their intense coloration, Bak has created a context requiring more thought for interpretation. What is the blue mask doing in this painting?
Who or what is the invisible element in this “Portrait”? As missing people, are these well-dressed, innocent, Jewish victims murdered by the Nazi regime, young Argentinian political activists who “disappeared” from 1976-83, Russian dissidents for two centuries, Iranian women “improperly” dressed? Or does this painting represent those who performed these atrocities? The responsible authorities and actual perpetrators often remain anonymous, unknown, invisible, even as members of the victims’ communities.
The emotional impact of this painting is striking. The observer is drawn in and subjected to jarring associations which evoke strong feelings. These too may be the important invisible products made possible by this Portrait.
Dr. Carl M. Herbert (Guest Writer)
BAK a Day, March 10, 2023
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Bak in the time of COVID.
The masked, invisible, hatted person is indeed framed.
How do we make the visible invisible via the artist's facility?
Leather gloves and a long tie with strings that draw our eye throughout this unusual portrait.
Have we all become invisible in the world of COVID or were we already invisible as world events continue to diminish our agency and visibility.
Always more questions and always inadequate answers that do not help effect change.
Witness the seemingly unending war in Ukraine or the unending lies about a lost/stolen election.
Where is any truth?
Who manages to dominate and lead all of us to a better and safer planet?
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