In Paradiso

Hi, I always tend to write a lot about each artistic image, in this case ... I leave it to the free interpretation of those who will contemplate it. To reflect on the message in silence or share their point of views if desired.

What I like the most, may be the asymmetric shape of both hands, each in a different direction.

The message can be interpreted in many ways. For me, it is clearly positive, just add that the title comes from the following phrase: "Amen dico tibi hodie mecum eris in paradiso" (Lc 23: 43).

Hi, Laura!

I sure don't imagine "Paradiso" in black! Maybe the way to it is black, but, it's a matter of understanding religion or maybe even philosophy of life! Dialectics some kind, maybe!

The picture maybe represents crucifixion which would further represent a path to Paradise for all of us! 

Your recognizable style is sure present here, Laura! Which is supposed to be an artistic compliment!

Cheers to that

PDE

Dear Pierre, yes, I share your point of view. Darkness could be "a transition" to paradise and more than a question of religion, the well-known elements reveal as tools to express what may not have any words.

Yes, it could represent crucifixion, but that is in the eye of each beholder, in his/her own reading.

I always try not to be afraid about treating any themes that attract me or help me to express pure feelings, like in this case.

Pain, darkness ... in the end, waiting for something better? ... I do not know.

Thank you very much for your opinion, much appreciated.

I think you've captured the essence of the image. A hug!

I like the imagery that comes from this composition. I can see how some might consider this representative of the crucifixion. Then again, it may be representative of some personal anguish that has nothing to do with religion.

In any event, it shows great imagination. I particularly like the expression on the model's face. I also like the way you handled the lighting. Well done.

Dear Warren, yes, absolutely ... I think you've hit the nail: "It is the expression of a personal anguish" that has little to do with religion.

No one can erase the memories of the past and being a child, I have looked at all the religious imagery of my land/province. When staring at those faces of anguish, suffering, in the depths of my heart, I began to build a parallelism of similarity and expression, all was recorded.

I remember going hand in hand with my mother to visit the museum of a great Spanish sculptor, master of religious imagery in my city (Murcia): Francisco Salzillo, he was a Spanish sculptor, the most representative image-maker of the 18th century and one of the greatest of the Baroque.

All those faces, expressions ... are within me, no matter my religion.

The brightness of the woodcarvings, the colors, their tragedy. They are an authentic  pure "expression". And certainly in those years, I traveled to that world mentally, I wanted to be part of these wood carvings, part of its unreal world.

Here I leave a link to his imagery:

Salzillo's imagery

Thank you very much for your visit to this image. Your appreciation is very interesting and I am very grateful.

Kindest regards, Laura.