Victoria Cantons
Untitled (An Anatomy of the Space Between), 2023
Beeswax, charcoal, oil, pastel, pencil and wax crayon on linen
200 x 635 x 3.7 cm
78 3/4 x 250 x 1 1/2 in
78 3/4 x 250 x 1 1/2 in
Further images
Untitled (An Anatomy of the Space Between), 2023 is a large scale piece in which multiple canvases are dominated by vast swathes of a liberally applied, off-white wash. The piece...
Untitled (An Anatomy of the Space Between), 2023 is a large scale piece in which multiple canvases are dominated by vast swathes of a liberally applied, off-white wash. The piece is then populated by moments of intense, gestural paintwork in the oozing, blood red flowers and measured, carefully crafted and heavily symbolic depictions of various ancient objects such as a bust of Apollo, an amphora and a soldier’s helmet.
Across the work, lines from poems by a vast array of both ancient and modern writers such as Leonard Cohen, TS Eliot, Ted Hughes, Kazuo Ishiguro, William Monahan, Ovid, Joshua Rivkin and Shakespeare are scrawled in Cantons’ distinctive hand. In particular, Cantons draws attention to the phrase “Shantih Shantih Shantih” – a Sanskrit assertion which means 'Peace Peace Peace’. Cantons also inscribes the phrase “Datta, damyata, and dayadvam.” Cantons explains that “Datta” means "to give in charity”,” damyata” means "be compassionate”, and dayadvam means “self-control”. These are the three virtues that guide one to achieve nirvana or “happiness", according to Chapter 5 of the divine Hindu text Brihadaranyak Upanishad. In this text, Brahma, the creator, teaches the demons that to achieve true enjoyment there needs to be a balance between decadence and restraint. In Untitled (An Anatomy of the Space Between), 2023 Cantons explores the careful balance between decadence and restraint visually.
Furthermore, the painting is further loaded with symbolism drawn from Cantons’ past works and vanitas paintings. The quote from Ovid and Shakespeare’s The Tempest (1610-11) reflects on what it is to look back even as one is uncontrollably drawn forward. Ultimately even as Cantons is prone to nostalgia, she feels that looking forward is equally – if not more– important.
Across the work, lines from poems by a vast array of both ancient and modern writers such as Leonard Cohen, TS Eliot, Ted Hughes, Kazuo Ishiguro, William Monahan, Ovid, Joshua Rivkin and Shakespeare are scrawled in Cantons’ distinctive hand. In particular, Cantons draws attention to the phrase “Shantih Shantih Shantih” – a Sanskrit assertion which means 'Peace Peace Peace’. Cantons also inscribes the phrase “Datta, damyata, and dayadvam.” Cantons explains that “Datta” means "to give in charity”,” damyata” means "be compassionate”, and dayadvam means “self-control”. These are the three virtues that guide one to achieve nirvana or “happiness", according to Chapter 5 of the divine Hindu text Brihadaranyak Upanishad. In this text, Brahma, the creator, teaches the demons that to achieve true enjoyment there needs to be a balance between decadence and restraint. In Untitled (An Anatomy of the Space Between), 2023 Cantons explores the careful balance between decadence and restraint visually.
Furthermore, the painting is further loaded with symbolism drawn from Cantons’ past works and vanitas paintings. The quote from Ovid and Shakespeare’s The Tempest (1610-11) reflects on what it is to look back even as one is uncontrollably drawn forward. Ultimately even as Cantons is prone to nostalgia, she feels that looking forward is equally – if not more– important.
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