Can the artist fix a broken world? In this composition, Bak seeks to understand the relationship between the painter and his deconstructed surroundings. Although the figures' attempt to regain some sense of control, they appear to be no match for greater forces at large within this landscape.
Trees are sliced into several sections and the ground below is broken in two. Even the “repairmen” are fragmented, with one even trapped within the confines of canvas and easel. The other figure “repairs” by nailing canvas to a section of the trunk.
A wooden arm reaches out from the painting but is held back by tape wrapped around the canvas which forms into the shape of an X (often a symbol of death in Bak’s work). The artist is trapped by the very tools which once gave him agency.
Despite the sense of hopelessness which the trapped figure evokes, the other repairman hammers on. It is an innately human need to create and repair, even in the face of turmoil. As Brother Thomas said: “Art is an intuitive statement about humanity – otherwise nature would be enough."
Lilly Harvey (Guest writer)
BAK a Day, April 9, 2023
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Art can require the suspension of belief and reason to focus on matters of meaning and survival. Who are these repairmen? What are the repairing? And why?
A bound painting of a repair person on a mysterious easel. Another segmented repair person at work with hammer and nails on a segment of the tree. Another dancing, cut up tree in the background. More work awaits!
The entire scene is supported by piles as if it will be here briefly.
We can only make tentative repairs with the knowledge that all of life is ephemeral.
Beyond repair.
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