




Mary Lovelace O'Neal
Lost in the Deep Medina (From the Lost in the Medina Series), circa 1989-1990
mixed media on canvas
81 x 138 in (205.7 x 350.5 cm)
Copyright The Artist
Further images
LOST IN THE DEEP MEDINA (FROM THE LOST IN THE MEDINA SERIES), approaches the idea of a still life, then immediately abandons it in the sake of something greater. Lovelace...
LOST IN THE DEEP MEDINA (FROM THE LOST IN THE MEDINA SERIES), approaches the idea of a still life, then immediately abandons it in the sake of something greater. Lovelace O’Neal’s expressive brushwork and dripping strokes burst from the canvas, creating a cacophony of drama and vibrant chaos that envelops the viewer. Her lived experiences come to life in abstracted forms, resulting in a rich and layered viewing experience.
Lovelace O’Neal masterfully weaves together various elements—an abstracted bowl of fruit, a golden arch reminiscent of Moroccan architecture, and a self-portrait featuring a yellow headpiece—to create a visually captivating, dream-like narrative. She incorporates cultural references from her time in Morocco which provided her with a profound and transformative experience, filling her personal and artistic life with new perspectives and inspiration. The memories of vibrant architecture, swirling scarves, and the vivid colors of the Moroccan landscape influenced her artistic expression, pushing her beyond the confines of traditional art forms. A transitional work, Lost in the Deep Medina has fragmentary glimpses of Lovelace O'Neal's "panther" form which appears in her "Panthers in My Father's Palace" series.
Throughout her career, Lovelace O’Neal’s artistic journey has been marked by her ability to exist between abstraction and narrative figuration. "Lost in the Deep Medina" exemplifies this dynamic tension and stands as a testament to Lovelace O’Neal’s ability to merge her personal experiences with her profound understanding of color and brushwork.
Lovelace O’Neal masterfully weaves together various elements—an abstracted bowl of fruit, a golden arch reminiscent of Moroccan architecture, and a self-portrait featuring a yellow headpiece—to create a visually captivating, dream-like narrative. She incorporates cultural references from her time in Morocco which provided her with a profound and transformative experience, filling her personal and artistic life with new perspectives and inspiration. The memories of vibrant architecture, swirling scarves, and the vivid colors of the Moroccan landscape influenced her artistic expression, pushing her beyond the confines of traditional art forms. A transitional work, Lost in the Deep Medina has fragmentary glimpses of Lovelace O'Neal's "panther" form which appears in her "Panthers in My Father's Palace" series.
Throughout her career, Lovelace O’Neal’s artistic journey has been marked by her ability to exist between abstraction and narrative figuration. "Lost in the Deep Medina" exemplifies this dynamic tension and stands as a testament to Lovelace O’Neal’s ability to merge her personal experiences with her profound understanding of color and brushwork.
Provenance
Collection of the ArtistExhibitions
2023, Art Basel, Jenkins Johnson Gallery, Basel, Switzerland2022, Art Basel Miami Beach, Jenkins Johnson Gallery, Miami, FL