Page 64 - WTP VOl. XI #1

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“This new series, White on Rice, begins with simple tools: a compass, pencil,
ruler, a gesture pointing to the presence
and knowledge of the hand.
Its title is taken from the expression 'Like White on Rice,' where one thing is as close as possible to connecting with something else. In my reinterpretation of the phrase, each work begins with the fundamental drawing of a circle on blank white paper. The simplicity of the circle, a geometric
symbol representing wholeness, unity, and infinity on paper to me expresses this perfect union. From there through its permutations and explorations, the circle is expanded and transported into the mingling of various patterns and ornamenta- tions inspired by traditional South Asian, Islamic, and Western cultures on white paper, symbolic of white rice, a staple of my homeland, Sri Lanka.The cross-cultural dialogue
in these works invites the creation of new meanings and understand- ings in the viewer for whom these cultural symbols may be out of their realm of experience.”
Celebration
watercolor on archival paper 22’’ x 30’’
Frances FerDinanDs