Mirror Paintings: Cuba Series

This series of paintings on mirrors is based on photographs taken in Cuba. The paintings are not an exact copy of a photograph, but an emotional representation of a real place, with the location indicated in the title. The size references social media and our familiarity of seeing images as a square format.

Painting on mirrors is challenging. I create layers and add and remove the paint until the work “feels” finished. Removing the dried paint is a delicate process; too much water or an over aggressive gesture can easily destroy the entire work.

I often leave some of the mirror visible. The exposed mirror allows the painting to exist in a constant state of change; the mirror’s reflection alters the painting. For example, a person wearing a red shirt while looking at a painting like “La Manana” will add red to the painting since the mirror is the canvas and reflects everything. (In the image of the painting you can see me taking the photo wearing a black shirt). The painting “Cielo” was photographed outside and the blue sky is reflected in the painting. In “Aguamala” you can see the sky, the clouds, and my blond hair. I like how these unedited photos document my life and environment. Each painting has a final coat of resin applied imperfectly so as to mimic the gestural abstraction. The resin protects the paint and signifies the painting is finished and cannot be altered.

Each painting is 12”W x 12”H x 1.5” D, signed & dated on the back, and is wired and ready to hang. The sides of the panel are painted white. If you are interested in a similar painting listed as “sold” please email me.