Farewell, oil on panel, 220x118cm, 2003
A triptych could be considered as the predecessor in medieval times of the contemporary slide-show. By dividing the painting in three pieces, each part gets a life of its own, while they are really inextricably interconnected with each other. A triptych has a story to tell and a good triptych becomes a 'holistic story'. The original tradition of a triptych has its roots in the Christian theology and The Holy Trinity. The main theme of my first triptych is the 'the farewell'. I wanted to stay consciously close to the tradition. The man in the arms of the woman, either son or lover, there will always be the moment of farewell. Even the pregnant woman on the right panel has already begun the so intensely difficult moment of parting.
This triptych combines the universal themes of Man and Nature, Love, Happiness, Sorrow, and the spirituality of The Divine.
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©Ellen de Groot.