Face To Face

Artist's Statement

This series of paintings titled “Face to Face.” They are larger than life paintings of close-up views of animals.

When we look at faces we use a more sophisticated part of the brain than when we look at objects. This is why it’s easier to recognize “Aunt Sally,” whom you haven’t seen in ten years, than it is to distinguish your own car from similar ones in the parking lot!

Animals are living, breathing beings, not objects, but we treat them as objects! We’ve accepted the fact that when we no longer have use for a pet we can sell, get rid of, or just discard them!

By painting their faces large and placing them at eye level, I’m challenging the viewer to stop and think about these animals. How are you processing this image in your brain, and why? Is this really an object or a living, breathing being worthy of compassion and respect?

Cyrus Mejia