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

A Corner 1

Acrylic & oil on canvas

2012

A Corner 2

Acrylic & oil on canvas

80 x 80 cm

2012

A Corner 3

Acrylic & oil on canvas

80 x 80 cm

201110

1704 toys

Oil on canvas

130 x 162 cm

201301

Study of safezone - pools

Water colour on paper

A Safe Zone 1

Acrylic on canvas

165 x 165 cm

Acrylic on canvas

Acrylic on canvas

30.5 x 25.5 cm

A Pier

Acrylic on canvas

A Safe Zone - corner

A Safe Zone - sea view

Acrylic on canvas

A Safe Zone - paradise

A Safe Zone - runway

Acrylic on canvas

30.5 x 40 cm

A Plant behind the fish tank

Acrylic on canvas

40 x 30.5 cm

Acrylic on canvas

A Safe Zone -nowhere

Acrylic on canvas

30.5 x 40 cm

Acrylic on canvas

Acrylic on canvas

30.5 x 40 cm

2015

A Sofa in the corner

Acrylic on canvas

61 x 91 cm

Acrylic on canvas

40 x 30.5 cm

Acrylic on canvas

160 x 95 cm

A Safe Zone 3

Acrylic on canvas

165 x 165 cm

2016

Botanical Garden in the City

Acrylic on canvas

160 x 95 cm each