What is imaginary?

Imaginary means not real, existing only in your mind or imagination. In the world of painting it is expressed through images depicted on canvas or any other surface.

Mathematics deals with the imaginary, too. An imaginary number is a number expressed as the square root of a negative number, esp. the square root of – 1.

The imaginary in fine arts

Pictorial space can be built with imagination or illusion, which is a means of entering the spiritual world, an unreal world in which sensations, thoughts and emotions form into shapes. What is not visible to the eye becomes alive and gains shapes.

The essence of space can be explained through numerous inner relationships, individual planes, tones and hues, all generated by imagination.

Picture 1 - Nur

It is entitled NUR. Nur is an Arabic word which means light, brightness. The painting glows golden yellow and dark red. There are two Suns, one in the top and the other in the bottom . They can be seen as two different worlds. There is no life without sunlight. In a spiritual sense, light leads us out of the darkness.

To me, light is an idea which grows in my mind, occupies my thoughts and overflows me until I pour it out onto canvas, where it comes to light.

Picture 2 - Kibo

It bears the title KIBO. It takes us to the African continent, to Mount Kibo, Tanzania. Every idea has a beginning. In this case it is NUR in picture 1, which evolves and reaches its peak in KIBO.

The theme of the painting starts in the bottom (wider part) of the picture with a reflection of the mountain peak in water and continues into the top (narrower part) of the picture. The prevailing pastel tones range from light to dark, almost black blues and greens.

The mountain peak disappears in mists while its reflection can be seen in water. Water is depicted with a graphical approach. Its wet surface is ridged, creating an impression of waves.

Picture 3 - Kikipejo

The painting is entitled KIKIPEJO or butterfly in a African language.

The life cycle of the butterfly can be compared to my paintings.

The prevailing tones are green. I used red and yellow to create some warmth.

The bottom and top of the painting are partley collaged with veil, a breath. The body, head and antennae are veil-like and toned.

Red and yellow dots are like ayes which scare off predators.