As ever, Bak leads us while misleading us with his title "Revealing the Visible". If already Visible, why would we need the artist to show us what we can already see? If it is hidden, we need to reveal its truth for ourselves.
And then there is the image. A visual riddle. A covered figure which may be inaccessible. The formal collar and bow tie held aloft by a disembodied hand. The other disconnected hand holds the mask of the "magician". All visible and yet its meaning is totally invisible.
As many know, Bak is often called The Painter of Questions. This particular work is an affirmation of that title.
Also it is worthy of note that Bak creates the setting of the bullet hole riddled wall and magician's magic wand with a ribbon or leather strap. Again, there is little that is revealed but all is seen.
The challenge is the viewer's to create their story.
Bernard H. Pucker, BAK a Day, January 18, 2024
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Slight of hand. The mask and the magician.
Ever so present and not there at all.
The cloth covering the rest of the trick.
So many opportunities for the imagination to fill in the blanks.
What is revealed?
What is made visible?
Where is this taking place?
What is the function of the strap?
Why are the eyes closed?
Clearly the painter of questions at work.
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