The Burden and the Shelter, 2020

M. Albanese

Acrylic, modelling paste and cheesecloth on canvas

I envision “home” as any place, whether at specific buildings and/or with certain people, where you feel safe and comforted from all the troubles of life.

Rougher textures like pumice convey anger and discomfort above, while smoother textures like cheese cloth and gloss gel convey comfort below.

The home in the painting seems in danger of being crushed from above due to the ball’s size and aggressive intimidation, yet it still stands.

The contrast between shaded and complementary colours, or big sharp shapes and small round shapes, and the asymmetrical nature of the painting symbolize a struggle for power.