“Alternate Edens” by J Consunji presents a captivating journey through a series of paintings with a dreamlike quality. This exhibition, featuring eight acrylic on canvas works and eight watercolors on paper, explores themes such as variations of perception, the relationship between humankind and nature, and the interconnectedness of all matter. These themes are interwoven with an appreciation for the present moment, the freedom of exploration and creation, and the flow of an intangible, transmissible element that evolves through time and space, following a cyclical pattern of transformation.
The exhibition begins with an image of density, obscurity, and mystery. As viewers progress, they encounter a more open and freewheeling sensation, with oscillations between sparseness and profuseness mirroring the material and graphical density. This journey culminates in an image reminiscent of the initial painting, reinforcing the theme of cyclical reconstruction. The paintings, presented in two parts—intimate watercolors and expansive acrylics—evolve from closely related forms to increasingly abstract connections, reflecting the themes of progression and transformation.
Key pieces like “Veiled Path (1-1)” and the “Secret Grove” and “Farewells of July” series exemplify the dissolution of figures and foliage into an enveloping world of nature and growth. Consunji’s mark-making technique, utilizing lines from sparse expanses to densely built paint, and the use of paint chips from previous works, emphasize themes of transformation and reconstruction. Enhanced by Mario Consunji’s subtle sound design, “Alternate Edens” transforms Espace Celine into a realm of shifting perceptions and profound reflections on nature and existence.