The Spiral of Mental Entrapment
When I created the black and white, almost spiral composition in “Fixed Attitude”, I was deeply engaged in exploring the concept of mental entrapment. The spiral, with its tightly wound form, is meant to evoke the cycles of repetitive thoughts and rigid beliefs that we all experience at some point. As I worked on this piece, I found myself reflecting on how easily we can get caught in these loops, where our thinking becomes constrained by fixed attitudes. The stark contrast between black and white represents the rigidity of this mindset, where complex ideas are often reduced to simple, binary oppositions. The inward pull of the spiral was intentionally designed to draw the viewer in, mirroring the way these entrenched patterns of thought can trap us, making it difficult to break free.
Duality and Conflict in Fixed Attitudes
In “Fixed Attitude,” the interplay of black and white within the spiral also symbolizes the duality and internal conflict that I believe are inherent in fixed attitudes. These opposing colors reflect the tension between different perspectives or beliefs, each pulling in a different direction but never finding resolution. As I painted, I thought about how this dualistic thinking can trap us in a cycle of indecision or extremism, where we oscillate between opposing views without ever reaching a balanced or nuanced understanding. The circular motion of the spiral was my way of expressing how this kind of thinking can become a self-perpetuating cycle, keeping us locked in a state of mental and emotional stasis. It’s a reflection of my own observations on how limiting it can be to view the world in such absolute terms, and how this mindset prevents us from fully engaging with the complexities of life.
The Spiral as a Metaphor for Change
As I developed the composition, the spiral began to take on a deeper meaning for me—not just as a symbol of entrapment, but also as a metaphor for the possibility of change and personal growth. The spiral’s path, though initially tight and confining, gradually opens up, suggesting a movement toward expansion and freedom. This aspect of the composition was important to me because it represents the journey out of rigid thinking and toward a more open-minded approach to life. I wanted to convey that even within the constraints of fixed attitudes, there is always the potential for transformation. The widening spiral embodies my belief that with effort and introspection, we can break free from these limiting thought patterns and embrace a more dynamic, evolving understanding of ourselves and the world around us.
The Interplay of Light and Darkness in Understanding
The interplay of light and darkness within the spiral also carries significant meaning for me. It reflects my thoughts on the cyclical nature of understanding and ignorance. Throughout my life and artistic career, I’ve often found myself moving between moments of clarity and confusion, much like the alternating bands of light and dark in the spiral. This composition was my way of expressing the idea that breaking free from fixed attitudes is not a linear process—it’s an ongoing struggle that requires us to confront both the light and dark aspects of our beliefs. The spiral suggests that understanding is a continuous journey, one where we must navigate through both certainty and doubt. Through this work, I wanted to encourage viewers to embrace the complexities of their thoughts and remain open to growth and change, even when the path forward is uncertain. This dynamic process of engaging with our beliefs is something I’ve always strived to capture in my art, and I hope “Fixed Attitude” resonates with others in a similar way.