“Epitaph of Feelings” by JFeelgood is a powerful mixed media artwork, measuring 36x36x2 inches, created during the challenging period of the COVID-19 pandemic. This piece vividly captures the complex, often conflicting emotions experienced by the artist over six months. The painting is a tapestry of diverse elements, each representing a fragment of the intense emotional landscape that defined this time.
At the forefront, a tank driver fires a cannon, symbolizing aggression or defense, set against a theater backdrop. This juxtaposition suggests a dramatic and perhaps theatrical representation of conflict. Adjacent to this, a carousel horse stands on a stage, evoking a sense of nostalgia and the cyclical nature of life’s experiences, reminiscent of the constant ups and downs during the pandemic.
Dominating the upper section is a surreal, stylized woman with an umbrella merging with her head, almost like a hat, blending seamlessly with the distorted downtown buildings beside her. This imagery reflects a fusion of the internal (emotional) and external (urban) environments, highlighting the blurred lines between personal feelings and the broader societal impact during the pandemic. The woman’s serene yet introspective gaze contrasts with the chaos surrounding her, suggesting resilience and contemplation amid turmoil.
The explosion from the tank’s cannon appears dangerously close to the woman’s face, yet the lack of direct interaction between these elements emphasizes the disjointed and often unrelated instances that collectively form the artist’s emotional response to the pandemic. The use of vivid colors and bold, dynamic strokes throughout the painting underscores the intensity of these emotions.
While there is no single, coherent narrative within the painting, “Epitaph of Feelings” serves as a visual diary of strong sentiments and experiences. Each element of the painting stands as a testament to the myriad feelings—fear, nostalgia, confusion, and introspection—that have shaped the artist’s journey through a uniquely challenging time in history.
This painting is also featured in his book, ‘Thought Entropy’, available for purchase on Amazon.
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