SERIES | PORTRAIT MOON

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The full moon is a natural wonder full of myth, magic, energy, and mysticism. Even those who dismiss the latter as a legend are awestruck by the sight of a full moon on a clear evening. Cooper Cox's exhibit, named "01 Portrait Series," incorporates both.

His works look to be a captivating representation of each full moon of the year to the naked eye. These artworks, like their natural counterparts, go beyond what is obvious at first glance.

Each month the moon goes through a complete cycle, from a new moon (a time to plan) to a full moon (a time to accept and release). Thus, the artist begins each painting with the same ritual; As he prepares the canvas, he meditates on a person or moment in his life. He accepts and appreciates the lessons provided by the person, then thankfully releases them with gratitude.

The painting progresses to a highly textured full moon of seasonal hues. The moons are portraits of people in his life, and the paint is a shield for his ideas, thoughts, and energy. He makes a pair because one is a self-portrait of his story and the pair is [his interpretation of how the others may have experienced it. He can be the Apollo or the Artemis. He paints with energy and uses his hands as the brush, it’s a very transformative experience for him. By layering paint, he mimics life's layers. He creates medium and large-scale acrylic and oil paintings with a waxy patina. By layering paint, he mimics life's layers. Colors and textures are depictions of time in his paintings. The bottom is always finished first, leaving the top a moment to celebrate the memory. It’s all part of a ceremony that brings the portrait to life. The images become a memory language. "The result," he says, "is a definitive memory now sealed in time.”

He refers to his style as “deep whimsy.” The audience can see and understand the object portrayed, but the person and energy of the moment are “baked in,” to each piece by the artist. Every moon and every relationship in your life has a season. Cooper’s work inspires us to contemplate what this means in our own lives - or - just as with nature's full moon, you may just opt to appreciate the striking way each piece encapsulates the moon's physical majesty.

Oil & Acrylic on Canvas
48” x 30” (Pairs)
Price on Request

Diptych Series 12/12