'The Hidden Face Of Mani 111'

Inspired by visit to a ruined Byzantine village (Monemvasia) and caves at Pyrgos Diriou, in the Mani, Peloponnese. This painting was selected for the Sunday Times watercolour Competion in 2005. The 'Faces' in the titles are a reference to the fragments of Byzantine murals and mosaice found around the ruins and to the rich cultural heritage of that area.
NB: "Eye Shadow" was selected for the Sunday Times watercolour Competion in 2006.

Artist: A. Williams
Oil Painting
Size 30 cm x 60 cm

Large View

Researching the past and present in the form of dwelling, has pre-occupied many a historian. 
The setting of housing under the shadow of a cliff face hanging heavily over all who live underneath.
This, a despatch of the subconscious, where in the cliff face is a guilded fresco of religious content, 
an arc by the stalactite and stalamite. The handling is a work of landscape; the rock stained and unyielding,
the concern for detail is a reminder of what is above, and potentially dangerous outcrop of rock and of 
history. Refreshing is the light on stone and shadow a stark mark of the past.

The pre-limary small image masks, and divulges an organic secret that the real clicked image on as after, 
is the spectrum of the painting en actualite. Makes for a surprise, does it not!


Art Critic, By E. Waller 23/03/10