Oil Paint, Glass Plate, Mirror
11″ x 11″
2019
This piece explores the emotional weight of guilt tied to loss, and the burden of trying to hold steady against the inevitable realities of that loss. Inspired by a moment witnessed on a bustling street, a young girl tightly cradles a large pile of tangerines, while a larger mound spills vulnerably onto a tarp laid out behind her. The fruit, usually a simple, enjoyable treat, here symbolizes the heavy responsibility she faces to protect them. Emphasized by the contrast of the tangerines’ bright orange coloring and the subdued blues of her surroundings, it is clear that each one is deeply cherished by her. Yet, their behavior mocks her inability to hold them all, cruelly reminding her of those that have escaped her grasp before. This irreversible loss is mirrored by the twisted, rusting metal, scratched glass, and damaged mirror in the background, reflecting how what was once simple and pure has become heavy and burdensome through time and neglect, echoing her shift from carefree responsibility to overwhelming obligation.
There is so much to hold onto, too many tangerines. Once, the girl imagined her arms stretching far enough to gather them all, holding close everything she cherishes. But now, as she tries to protect the vibrant fruits, she feels the weight of her longing. Each tangerine represents something precious, yet she can’t help them from slipping through her fingers like water. The abundance, both a gift and a burden, leaves her lost among what once brought her joy. In her anguish, she yearns for the clarity to embrace the chaos without being consumed by it.
Rachael Kucken 