J. Steven Manolis (b. 1948-)
Key West- Social Consciousness (07.10.05), 2016
Watercolor, Acrylic and Gouache on paper
7 x 10 inches
Framed in a natural wood shadow box.
The beautiful blues and greens of the ocean in Key West serve as the Color Field for hand painted concentric circles in this beautiful watercolor painting.
Manolis' painting hero, and Father of Abstract Expressionism, Wassily Kandinsky was a concentric painter. He introduced the open loop, which to him symbolized both the universe and the human soul. Manolis states, "Concentrics also have a long human history symbolizing positive spirituality which enormously appeals to me."
Additionally, Manolis ascribes these other meanings to his concentric circles: "1) Social Focus and 2) elimination of discrimination of all types- racial, religious, gender, sexual, cultural and all other stereotypes. When you consider that perhaps as many as 90% of all human killings that occur on earth come about from the hate related to discrimination."
Kenneth Noland is considered the premier American concentric painter. Interestingly, he utilized stencils and spray paint. Alternatively Manolis hand draws (with a compass) and hand paint his concentric circles. "I love the look and feel, and tiny imperfections created by the hand.”