An early 1989 Moffa mixed-media work, "Ladies in a Surrealistic Landscape" represents my transition from small canvas panel compositions to working with small and mid-sized pre-stretched canvas as a support for my acrylic painting and collage expressions.
Most likely the first execution of my layered dematerialization effect painting and wash style, the abstract background become a surreal setting for the foreground paper appliques. Theatrical in simplicity, this work utilizes a style akin to loosely painted stage backdrops with the "actors" of the image in the foreground.
The 'Ladies' of the image, are xerographically reproduced line-art illustrations from 1920's fashion illustrations, closely cropped and colored wiht marker before applied with acrylic mediums in contrived groupings to imply an outdoor reception or gathering.
Playing on my liking for art deco design, surrealistic art as well as film and television dramatization of Jazz Era society, this work gathers disparate design elements and creates a whole.
