Pain/T series (2000-2015) is a powerful and evocative body of work that I have created as a revolutionary archive of landscapes marked by both personal trauma and the violence of human conflict. This series was inspired by my experiences in Germany, where a brutal attack by neo-Nazis led to memory loss. Through this series, I transform landscapes into sanctuaries—spaces where "the ground is soaked in blood" and where the impact of violence, both personal and collective, is deeply inscribed.
The paintings in this series revolve around human conflict, with each work attuned to its specific historical, social, and political context. I employ an innovative color-coded technique that captures fragmented memories, all set at 11:00 am, the exact time of the attack. These layers of paint are not merely aesthetic choices but are symbolic of the layers of the Earth’s ground—each one holding the scars of human actions, environmental degradation, and the conflicts that leave lasting marks on both the planet and its inhabitants. This series also promotes the healing of the planet from violence and the myriad threats posed by the Anthropocene, emphasizing the interconnectedness of human actions and environmental degradation. Just as the layers of the Earth record the passage of time and the impact of human activity, so too do these paintings document the enduring effects of trauma and the potential for renewal.
Pain/T series invites viewers to immerse themselves in these complex landscapes, where individual trauma intersects with global crises. The works challenge us to reflect on the interconnectedness of human suffering and the suffering of the Earth, urging a reconsideration of how we engage with landscapes as both physical and emotional spaces. As Barnett Newman once said, landscapes are painted "not just to have something to look at but also to have something to read." This series embodies that philosophy, encouraging deep reflection on the narratives embedded within these poignant works, which speak to the need for healing on both personal and planetary levels.
Material: oil on linen and cotton.
