Release by Ellen Hausner

Acrylic and oil on canvas, £950

This is a painting which shows a breakthrough: a moment of revelation, of change, of release. It is mental, mystical, psychological, and physical. The image is very physical, depicting a cave and water, but also perhaps the womb and the secret places within a woman—all symbols and reflections of the subconscious. The close relationship between the female body and mystical experience is something that has been discussed since at least medieval times within the context of female mystics and saints. Instead of seeking a division between matter and spirit, this painting shows the way in which these two things are deeply connected. There are many layers of textured acrylic and oil in this painting, and those textures helped dictate the composition and conception of the piece. I started the piece in 2019 but finished it during lockdown, and having the focus and discipline to paint during these difficult times was a blessing.

For enquiries please contact the artist at info@ellenhausner.com