This week, I created some abstract works, with the colour combination of black/white/ochre (a project suggested by artist Sef Berkers). They didn't come out as abstract as I had intended however, seeing as here in Greece, it is Holy Week, and so Christ's crucifixion tends to come to mind... But I have returned to the symbol of the cross often in my abstract works, for many reasons. Firstly, because of its sense of balance as a symbol, secondly, because of its loaded meaning. Beyond its christian confines, it can be seen as a symbol of martyrdom in general, because of what happened on that cross. There are many martyrs to a cause today, that remain unsung heroes. In today's increasingly cynical society, many prefer to see them as fools, idiots. People who struggle to make ends meet, because of their ethical and humane stance in life, who prefer to be decent, rather than to cheat, steal and lie in order to make a bigger profit. People who suffer so that others can be well. People who are not afraid of self-sacrifice, and who don't let their ego or narcisism rule their life. People suffering from pain and illness, but who nevertheless put a brave face on and continue. All those people in the front line today, of the coronavirus pandemic, many of them providing services (and many of them being paid minimum wage), so that the rest of us can stay safe at home. So, I dedicate these new abstract crosses, to today's martyrs.
