“Glass” (2022), part of the Ethereal series, is a powerful critique of early 20th-century psychiatry. The piece, now in a private collection, explores the fragility of consciousness. The collage of newspaper clippings (“Libération,” “Le Petit Parisien”) is buried beneath thick, structured impasto, symbolizing the suppression of individual thought by institutional frameworks. The strong geometric black line suggests both a restrictive cage and a necessary boundary. The contrast between the layered chaos and the stark form creates an inspiring tension.
The masterful use of texture highlights the artist’s engagement with energy and raw expression. The heavily worked white and muted tones—a signature of the Ethereal series—represent the vast, untapped potential of the subconscious mind. By incorporating historical newsprint, the work grounds the abstract concept of consciousness in a specific social context, urging the viewer to reflect on how past institutional errors continue to influence contemporary perceptions of mental freedom. “Glass” stands as a profound statement on liberation, inviting us to seek the boundless energy beyond the painted form.
