The Sins of the Father

Description

Limited Edition Reproduction of 100 Only

This work heralds a change of direction and a departure in theme and subject matter from previous canvases. Although I find it difficult to explain my choices and the reasons behind the decisions I made. I’ve long admired the work of Laurence Alma-Tadema (1836 -1912). The most successful classical artist of his time. He was born in the Netherlands, lived and painted in London and chose the luxury and decadence of the Roman Empire as his predominant subject matter. He was an absolute master.

So, Alma- Tadema’s work had an influence as did the ancient temples and artefacts found at Karnak, Egypt.
Karnak was actually a city of temples built from around 2055 BC to100 AD. At its zenith it would have been awe-inspiring, though I have depicted it in disrepair, as it is today.

I spent Christmas 2001in Luxor, Egypt, and visited Karnak where I too was equally awe-inspired.

Now, years later, I’ve revisited that experience and taken from it the inspiration for this painting.

Its title ‘The Sins of The Father…’ is drawn from biblical and Shakespearian text which in its full version is – ‘The Sins Of The Father Are Visited Upon Their Children’.

The work centres on three principal characters – a father, his daughter and some other-worldly entity. Their story unfolds amongst the ancient surroundings of 11th century Egypt. Or is it perhaps some parallel universe?

My intention, however, has never been the creation of a vaguely, contemporary work of science fiction but rather a work of fictional realism.

Science fiction or fictional realism? I’ll let you draw your own conclusions about ‘The Sins of The Father…’ and what has or is about to happen.