Qrcky (1973)
Maya
signed and dated 'Qrcky Feb. 18 +' (on the reverse)
Acrylic on Canvas
40 x 30 7⁄8 in. (101.6 x 76.2cm.)
Executed in 2022.
"Stripped" is a striking black-and-white original painting inspired by the concept of visibility and concealment. Drawing influence from dazzling camouflage used on battleships and the natural patterns of zebras in herds, this piece explores the tension between standing out and blending in. Through bold, high-contrast strokes and intricate layering, the painting captures the paradox of being both seen and hidden—existing in plain sight while remaining elusive.
The monochromatic palette is intentional, removing distractions of color to focus purely on form, pattern, and movement. Much like the disorienting effect of dazzle camouflage on warships, "Stripped" plays with perception, creating an optical experience that shifts between abstraction and clarity. The contrast of deep blacks against stark whites forms a rhythmic interplay, evoking a sense of motion and disruption.
As with many of my works, this painting is deeply connected to themes of identity, survival, and adaptation. "Stripped" challenges viewers to consider how individuals and communities employ concealment—whether as a means of protection, resistance, or survival. Just as zebras in herds use their patterns to confuse predators, the fragmented forms in this piece suggest a deliberate effort to evade, adapt, and redefine one’s presence in a world that constantly seeks to categorize and confine.
Executed with a mix of acrylic and oil, the painting’s textured surface adds a tactile depth that reinforces its dynamic energy. Each stroke contributes to an intricate balance between chaos and control, illusion and reality. The overlapping patterns seem to pulse and shift, mimicking the visual effect of movement, as if the subject is slipping between dimensions—seen yet unseen.
"Stripped" is not just a painting; it is an exploration of perception, identity, and survival. It invites viewers to reflect on how we choose to reveal or obscure ourselves in different spaces. This unique piece is available for collectors seeking a thought-provoking, visually powerful work of art that speaks to the complexities of existence.
