Backyard at Night

Series: Monoprint/Monotype Invitational 2022
Medium: Watercolor monotype
Dimensions: 17 7/8 x 23 7/8 inches (Image) 22 5/8 x 30 inches (Sheet)
Signature: Signed
Artist details: American, 1961
Date finished: 2021
Edition: 1/1

Artist's statement:
"Backyard at Night is part of the series Night Shadows, inspired by late night walks through my Minneapolis neighborhood. The work addresses feelings of isolation brought on by the pandemic.

The prints were made by painting with black watercolor on a thin polyester plate, which was then printed on a press. Unlike oil monotypes, the image must be completely dry before being printed. This means that it can be developed over many hours, even days. I use additive and subtractive processes to make the images, putting down washes and marks that are allowed to dry before being lifted and revised by re-wetting the plate."

Recommended by Paige (Collections Manager):
"'Backyard at Night' beautifully captures a familiar scene, just off-kilter. It is a quintessential backyard: gutters, chain link fences and patio furniture. But everything is slightly misaligned and in high contrast against the dark of night. It's a striking piece that shows Kareken's wonderful, painterly handling of trees and textures in a new setting. It feels like a photo that no one would think to take but is around us all of the time."