Marie Finkelstein – Transitions: From Dark to Light

About

Diary, a group of self-portraits, and the Christie Beach landscapes express Finkelstein's grief both in subject and palette – canvases of grey loneliness and desolation. They give way to the New Life paintings which gently explore the fragility of new life and the birth of hope. Finally, brilliance and colour return to Finkelstein's world in the paintings of the sea, sand and palms of Palm Beach, the flowers and foliage of Barbara’s Magic Garden, and the whimsical joy of Ty Dreaming. The last 3 series continue Finkelstein's interest in the play of light in their painting practice. Finkelstein is learning too that just as shadow throws bright objects into relief, sorrow heightens the joys of life.

With the benefit of time and perspective, Finkelstein see's their personal transition from dark to light mirrored by the Covid crisis. They, like so many others, have struggled to emerge from fear and isolation, daring to hope for a return to the brightness of a world we once knew.