Marin Majic | Ich und Ich

About

In Marin Majic’s show titled Ich und Ich, he loosely explores the myth of narcissus as well as the closely associated psychological condition. The subject is never seen in its entirety, and only reflection becomes the thread. Using and evolving the traditional tropes of landscape painting, he plays with the borders of subject and object as all matter dissolves into a sum greater than its part. The surfaces’ hypnotic effect challenges the viewer not to lose themselves in the work and begs the question of where the self-stops, and our shared consciousness begins. This effect is achieved using concentration of detail which become increasingly visible with proximity drawing the viewer closer.

Grey layers of gesso create the chalky surface that is sand-able. After each layer of paint, the work is honed down and control over the outcome is irretrievably lost. The image becomes blurry and the under-painting at one point complete. In the next phase of the process, the under-painting now leads the creator, as he attempts to reconnect the left over traces with the original aim. Allowing obstructing and destruction into his process reminds him that perfection isn’t the goal, rather a sensation and tone. The work itself feels more alive that way, the artist says. In the final stage he uses color pencils drawing on top- intersecting, juxtaposing and melding with their surroundings – defining the ripples of the water from its murky depths. The delicateness of the pencil and the chaotic roughness (of the paint beneath), create tension and nuance.

Together the works build on each other and where the figure once was able to be discerned – only water is left as the dissolution of self has been completed and perhaps - all that is left of narcissus – is surface? Combined, the works are an exploration of the limits of self-knowledge and the subsequent feelings of irrationality and uncertainty we find ourselves mired in…the mystery of self eternally outside ones grasp – both entrancingly beautiful yet also alluring encompassing a sense of the foreboding and effervescent danger.