This is the paradox of the safe zone: that we can never feel safe. My
initial plan was to show a safe space that does not exist, but it was shown
instead as an unsafe space that does seem to exist. I used the image of a real
swimming pool that I often visit near my house. This swimming pool has glass
walls that people can look through from outside. I found it interesting that
the glass walls might allow parents to see their children swimming and make
sure they are safe; however, being watched made me feel very uncomfortable and
a little unsafe. There is a kind of voyeurism in this painting and perhaps in
the other paintings too. I really wanted to use this image, combined with some
plants standing as if watching or witnessing the scene.
Caption
201201
A Corner 1
Acrylic & oil on canvas
80 x 80 cm
2012
201202
A Corner 2
Acrylic & oil on canvas
80 x 80 cm
2012
201203
A Corner 3
Acrylic & oil on canvas
80 x 80 cm
2012
201110
1704 toys
Oil on canvas
130 x 162 cm
2009-11
201301
Study of safezone - pools
Water colour on paper
30 x 23 cm each
2013
201302
A Safe Zone 1
Acrylic on canvas
165 x 165 cm
2013
201303
A Safe Zone 2
Acrylic on canvas
165 x 165 cm
2013
201501
A Safe Zone - mirror
Acrylic on canvas
30.5 x 25.5 cm
2015
201502
A Pier
Acrylic on canvas
30.5 x 25.5 cm
2015
201503
A Safe Zone - corner
Acrylic on canvas
40 x 30.5 cm
2015
201504
A Safe Zone - sea view
Acrylic on canvas
50 x 60 cm
2015
201505
A Safe Zone - paradise
Acrylic on canvas
30.5 x 40 cm
2015
201506
A Safe Zone - runway
Acrylic on canvas
30.5 x 40 cm
2015
201507
A Plant behind the fish tank
Acrylic on canvas
40 x 30.5 cm
2015
201508
Paintings on the Wall
Acrylic on canvas
100 x 100 cm
2015
201509
A Safe Zone -nowhere
Acrylic on canvas
30.5 x 40 cm
2015
201510
A Safe Zone -nowhere
Acrylic on canvas
30.5 x 40 cm
2015
201511
A Safe Zone -nowhere
Acrylic on canvas
30.5 x 40 cm
2015
201512
A Sofa in the corner
Acrylic on canvas
61 x 91 cm
2015
201607
A Safe Zone -corner
Acrylic on canvas
40 x 30.5 cm
2016
201617
A Safe Zone -nowhere
Acrylic on canvas
160 x 95 cm
2016
201613
A Safe Zone 3
Acrylic on canvas
165 x 165 cm
2016
201810
Botanical Garden in the City
Acrylic on canvas
160 x 95 cm each
2018