AfterAll, a new series of work that is at the end of the day a personal introspection addressing a concept we collectively share - reckoning the space we exist in the 'in-between' of what we believe to be true, and the unwavering limbo of a reality that is contrary to our expectations. This collection uses in tandem with gestural line work, colour and abstraction, the use of playful language to share a personal story - an epoch full of change that can only result in an  openness and ultimately, continued practice in self awareness.

Leveraging the poignancy of the use of oxymoron in language based work as seen in ‘New And Improved, Clearly Misunderstood’ and more abstract references of one’s own role within the definition of AfterAll itself in the commonly loved idiom ‘Sink or Swim’ where the use of language in its title emphasizes the in depth definition of a commonly used, significant phrase. Paired with expressive colour, movement and typographic style, the union of language and visual storytelling are thrown a life preserver, no longer being one without the other.

These works are not imited to solely paint brush nor letter form illustration as tools, expanding the potential of surface, panel or canvas - beyond the ground expanding texture and dimension with multiple glazes, removing of layers to reveal the ground, markings and extenders creating varianced detail.

AfterAll goes beyond an exploration of a conversation with oneself coming to terms with the concept of ‘the here and now’ being tethered to everything that came before, rather additionally its intention is an invitation for the viewer to reflect on the narrative of AfterAll - on their own terms, Nevertheless, it remaining uniquely familiar.

Caryn Sturhahn, 2024