Written by Victoria Chapman

*Shane Guffogg, 2023, “Neither Flesh nor Fleshless #11” oil on canvas, 60 x 48 inches*

"In Four Quartets, T.S. Eliot explores themes of the present moment, the cosmic order, and coexistence, a sentiment shared by artist Shane Guffogg. Commencing in April 2023, Guffogg embarked on a creative journey, producing twenty-one paintings inspired by three stanzas from Burnt Norton, the first chapter of Eliot's work. These artworks, employing lines and colors, provide a visual examination of the exchange of thoughts across time.

Guffogg's engagement with Four Quartets commenced over three decades ago and endures, as he contemplates Eliot's exploration of the abstract interplay between life experiences and the formation of memories. Eliot's poem, written in England between 1936 and 1942, is divided into four sections, each relating to one of the classical elements: air, earth, water, and fire.

Eliot's verse, 'Be remembered; involved with past and future. Only through time is time conquered.' from Burnt Norton Section II, highlights the central theme of time's influence on human existence. Influenced by both Eastern and Western literature, including the Bhagavad Gita, Confessions of Saint Augustine, and The Divine Comedy, Eliot also drew inspiration from Beethoven's quartet, which may have influenced the poem's title and musical underpinnings. Guffogg, with his sound-to-color synesthesia, instinctively recognized this musicality, evident in his paintings. The works convey an inherent 'sound score' through their visual rhythm, offering an intuitive perception that guides the composition through the choice of lines and colors.

The exhibition's largest piece, 'Only Through Time is Time Conquered,' exudes a dynamic quality, with blue lines at its core that pulse and summon supporting red and yellow lines, infusing contrasting tones with an oceanic sense of movement. Guffogg shared his creative process, revealing a connection between sound and color: 'As I was working on the seven by nine-foot canvas, and listening to abstract-classical-orchestrated music, I noticed the presence of dissonant chords. This parallel with my paintings, especially 'Only Through Time, Time is Conquered,' where complementary colors push against each other, creates a tension akin to the unsettling notes in the music. This experience immerses me in the present moment during the painting process, disconnecting from extraneous thoughts.”

Shane Guffogg, 2023, “Only Through Time is Time Conquered” oil on canvas, 84 x 108 inches

The importance of a painting's title varies from artist to artist. In the case of Shane Guffogg, the title serves as an informative element for the painting but does not determine or predict its creation. The titles, "Only through time is time conquered," "Reach into the silence," and "Neither flesh nor fleshless," draw inspiration from T.S. Eliot's desire to transcend time and live in the present, as explored in these stanzas.

Guffogg's enduring fascination with Eliot's Four Quartets has led to the evolution of his artwork, reflecting increasing complexity. His approach to life also mirrors this deepened connection, as he embraces fleeting moments with a sense of permanence. Using glazes, he masterfully creates the illusion of multiple light sources within his compositions. In addition, his extensive research into the techniques and materials of old masters, along with his background in publishing articles on art, results in figurative subjects transformed into abstract forms.

The interplay between light and dark, represented by transparent veils of light and complementary colors, produces a dynamic tension within the paintings, leading the viewer into an infinite shadow of darkness while drawing them towards the light. Guffogg's work encapsulates a timeless quality, capturing the eternal moment, which resonates with Eliot's themes. It invites the viewer to engage consciously and subconsciously, seamlessly merging these aspects and revealing the essence felt rather than merely perceived.

*Shane Guffogg, 2023, “Flesh Nor Fleshless #1” oil on canvas, 40 x 36 inches*

*Shane Guffogg, 2023, Neither Flesh nor Fleshless #2, oil on canvas, 40 x 36 inches*

*Shane Guffogg, 2023, “Neither Flesh nor Fleshless #3” oil on canvas, 40 x 36 inches*

*Shane Guffogg, 2023, Neither Flesh nor Fleshless #4, oil on canvas, 40 x 36 inches*

*Shane Guffogg, 2023, “Neither Flesh nor Fleshless #5” oil on canvas, 30 x 24 inches*

*Shane Guffogg, 2023, “Neither Flesh nor Fleshless #6” oil on canvas, 30 x 24 inches*

Guffogg's "At the Still Point of the Turning World" series, originating from a subconscious sketch in 2009, explores his quest for inner balance and serves as an autobiographical narrative. These paintings are not self-portraits in the conventional sense but expressions of his existence, a journey through the human condition, and his relationship with time. His artistic process involves a silent, solitary exploration of his work, where thoughts become visual language. Music plays a pivotal role in his creative process, acting as a conduit to connect with the universal essence. This process, which Guffogg describes as dipping his toes into the pond of the universe on a good day, is a ritual he continues to uphold.

This narrative underscores the profound and personal dimensions of Guffogg's artistry and the unique creative process that fuels it.

Guffogg's art, much like T.S. Eliot's poetry, encapsulates a profound yearning, inviting observers to experience the authentic, providing a space to encounter time and the present. These works serve as a testament to Guffogg's need to share evidence of what it means to be alive, encompassing thoughts, emotions, love, suffering, and healing. His art, particularly in the "Neither Flesh nor Fleshless" series, is deeply autobiographical, portraying moments of existence.

*Shane Guffogg, 2023, “Reach into the Silence #1” oil on canvas, 72 x 60 inches*

*Shane Guffogg, 2023, “Reach into the Silence #3” oil on canvas, 72 x 60 inches*

*Shane Guffogg, 2023, “Reach into the Silence #2” oil on canvas, 72 x 60 inches*

*Shane Guffogg, 2023, Reach into the Silence #8, oil on canvas, 72 x 60 inches*

The "Neither Flesh nor Fleshless" series invokes an enigmatic quality, exploring the interplay of flesh and the absence of it. Guffogg's approach involves allowing his hands to move across the canvas, making the brushes an extension of his physicality. Thin veils reminiscent of Renaissance art, particularly the translucent black veil seen in the Mona Lisa, represent the delicacy and fragility of life and the moment of transition. These paintings aim to present an unsolvable question, provoking contemplation.

Emotional and primarily red in color, with various shades of dark, earthy-red, charcoal, and smoky hues, the series delves into the convergence of spiritual and physical worlds. These works provoke contemplation of time and composition, offering a reflection on the past, present, and even the future. They express a belief system rooted in human existence, sharing intimate thoughts, sensations, and a blend of the mental and spiritual. They evoke words like "annunciation," "rapture," and "communion," prompting self-awareness and introspection.

Collectively, the series emanates an ethereal quality, while individually, each painting conveys a unique message. Gestural marks transform into ribbons or veils of light, revealing saturation and fluidity, evoking celestial elements. The series prompts a sense of longing and contemplation, exploring the boundary between order and chaos. Guffogg's work serves as a testament to truth, representing both a historical narrative and a visual and emotional experience.

*Shane Guffogg, 2023 “Neither Flesh nor Fleshless #7” oil on canvas, 40 x 36 inches*

*Shane Guffogg, 2023 “Neither Flesh nor Fleshless #8” oil on canvas, 40 x 36 inches*

*Shane Guffogg, 2023, “Neither Flesh nor Fleshless #9” oil on canvas, 30 x 24 inches*

*Shane Guffogg, 2023, Neither Flesh nor Fleshless #10, oil on canvas, 30 x 24 inches*

*Shane Guffogg, 2023, “Neither Flesh nor Fleshless #12” oil on canvas, 40 x 36 inches*

The "Reach into the Silence" series, comprised of eight paintings, visualizes a Gregorian chant, embodying the concept that words and music can reach stillness only through form and pattern. Guffogg's ability to follow a command and create in response to a voice reflects the depth of his creative process.

In contrast to Monet's works at Giverny, Guffogg doesn't depict his garden but paints abstract moments informed by the landscape. His connection to the land and his understanding of light enables him to create a sense of depth and movement, similar to Monet's approach. Guffogg's keen perception of the environment, weather patterns, and his intimate connection with his chosen workspace contribute to the unique quality of his artwork.

This narrative delves into the intricate and profound dimensions of Guffogg's artistic process, inviting viewers to explore the intricate layers of his work and its connection to the world around him.

In Guffogg's own words, his artistic process serves as a form of meditation, a means of documenting his journey through life. Each line, each brushstroke on the canvas represents a unique moment in time. What viewers witness in his paintings is the accumulation of these moments, all distilled into a singular, profound instant.

His artworks are not only visual expressions but also personal narratives, sharing his own story while reflecting on the profound themes found in T.S. Eliot's text. In each brushstroke, viewers can explore the interplay of line, color, and elements of space, delving into the essence of his experiences and the emotions woven into his work.