dennis mukai

ARTIST STATEMENT

 

Often mistaken for photographs, my paintings are painstakingly created using only sandpaper to remove the layered paint, revealing varying degrees of the white gessoed masonite surface.  Multiple coats of oil-based varnish finish the piece to increase depth and contrast.  The inherent amber tint of the varnish contributes to the aged quality reminiscent of old sepia-toned photographs.

My paintings are visually inspired by photographs I have taken.  The juxtaposition of a secondary image or fragments of text conveys an experience beyond that of the literal representation of either image or passage.  My intention is to tempt emotions triggered by recollection or the subconscious.