the rite of spring
continues on from the earlier body of work ‘Things we do’
This is where we move ahead. With one eye on the past and moments of contemplation we carry our heads high and battle for spring. Now other people have entered the stage, daffodils are blossoming, we stretch, we reach out, investigate, dance, aim to fly and communicate.
‘the rite of spring’ continues on from de Zilva’s previous body of work ‘things we do’ which described facets of emotional life as we navigated through the chaos of the pandemic experience.
But this is ‘the rite of spring’. It is the next episode of the story.
It’s where we move ahead. With one eye on the past and moments of contemplation we carry our heads high and battle for metaphorical spring. Other people have now entered the stage, daffodils are blossoming, we stretch, we reach out, investigate, dance, aim to fly and communicate.
‘Spring’ is symbolised in the colour yellow, as a daffodil and used as a metaphor for a fresh start. De Zilva’s painted female figures are testing unknown waters and reaching into hazy dreamlike spaces, balancing awkwardly, even try- ing to blend in among penguins. While some are gentle, careful and considered others are more actively engaged. With clenched fists they are battle-ready. There’s a knife camouflaged among the greenery. Perhaps this cause for harmony requires a different kind of energy too? This body of work speaks of recalibration. The paintings express a desire and force to create harmony and the need of hope after these trying years.
“the world has changed, more and quicker than expected. It’s not like the pandemic has passed and we can carry on where we were before. Life today seems more out of balance and absurd. Serious items have snuck their way into our lives. They have managed to grow like rot that starts behind the shed, spreads underground unnoticed and un- attended until it’s already reached the foundations of the house you live in.
I know this sounds grim. Yet, we need to hope and try and put in the effort. That’s what these works are about.”
To view all 24 works from the rite of spring click on the catalogue button at the top of the page.
please contact me directly via email if you have questions or would like to purchase a piece jessdezilva@gmail.com