The work:Nathan Feldman, Space for Two, 2020. Oil on canvas, 200 x 200cm. Courtesy: the artist.
The works of artist Nathan Feldman are exercises in practiced unconscious response, making physical his sensory experiences and lingering memories. Usually beginning with mark making, these pieces evolve over extended periods of time to embody a feeling or an experience that has had particular impact on the artist’s psyche. Of Space for Two in particular, the artist states that, “I love this painting, because it reminds me of moments of ephemeral stillness that helped me get through some pretty difficult times.” Executed over a three-year period, more than 20 layers were slowly built up in ever-changing colours before a final wash in blue and pink covered many hours of work. One can see patches of bright yellows, blues and greens peeking through the pastel finish, speaking to the subconscious depths that the artist aimed to bring to light. Replete with abstracted shapes interspersed with recognisable symbols, the work is a testament to the complexity of the human experience, where memories often partially remembered come together to create a cohesive but complex whole. This piece was retained by the artist for a long time after its completion, as Feldman considered it a particularly poignant meditation on his life, both of places he visited and those he dreamt of.