THE BABYLONIAN SHEPHERD

Series II: Voices of the Earth

Oil, cow dung, animal hide, metal, earth, ashes, charcoal, sackcloth, chains, wooden yoke, rope on mud cloth

60 x 36 inches (152.4 x 91.44 cm)

2002

© Nya’ 2005. Courtesy of Seed Gallery, New York Photo by House of Seed Photography, New York

ARTWORK THEORY REPORT

Parchments of animal hide, sackcloth, suitcase locks, rusted chain, tin paint covers, corrugated cardboard and laminated foam boards were permanently secured to the canvas using heat and water-resistant industrial grade adhesive and multiple rope stitches. Corroding wire and shards of decomposing metal was used to sculpt the lugubrious figures arranged in very sterile and cliché manner. Crushed rocks, assorted debris and compressed foam board mixed with gypsum and latex paint comprise the bulk of the heavy texture streaming across the top and bottom registers of the canvas. Aside from synthetic hues, color was obtained from charcoal, ashes, powdered rust, soil and scouring through the surface with linseed oil and dishwashing pads to reveal the textured surface. The custom stretcher upon which the canvas is resting was made of specially treated wood and has two sturdy beams down the spine of the frame to avoid warping over time. The composition is housed in a custom distressed wood frame with a tailor designed anti-reflective museum glass engineered to block UV light rays and provide UV protection, while protecting the work from damage and fading caused by UV light.

CONDITION OF ARTWORK

Original condition. The antiquated, rustic and decomposed aura is intentional, gradually achieved over several years, scouring through the completed work. The artist signature is rendered in gold at the bottom left corner of the canvas.

PROVENANCE

Year of completion: 2008

Artist Private Collection: 2008 – 2010

Seed Gallery Private Collection: 2010 – To date

HISTORY OF EXHIBITIONS

HE HIDES HIS PERFECT GIFT IN FLAWED VESSELS SO THAT EVIL MAN WON’T SEE

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 04, 2014

SEED GALLERY, NEW YORK