Asurakshit

Asurakshit is a Hindi word that refers to being vulnerable or unprotected. 

This piece is part of a larger body of work that focuses on the power of vulnerability. Antoine believes that there is immense power in being vulnerable, showing up, being seen and owning our stories. Being vulnerable in a relationship is taking risks but also a path to connection and growth. Furthermore, being vulnerable is a crucial ingredient for a meaningful life. 

In this piece, Antoine used an array of mediums and techniques, including acrylic paint, oil paint, linseed oil, mineral spirits, charcoal and graphite. Drips happen towards and against gravity and sections include thick impasto palette knife work. Splats and color shaper tools brings a sense of energy and spontaneity to the piece.  Antoine believes that relationships are layered and multidimensional, which is reflected in the various layers this piece is built up of. Many have to dry for weeks before the next can be applied. Despite the large variety and complexity of surfaces and techniques, she still succeeds in creating a unified work with a sense of delicacy and softness. The large scale of ‘Asurakshit’ allows the viewer to be even more present in the moment.     

This piece also marks the return of ultramarine blue to Antoine’s palette, a color she used in the 2000s but which has been mostly absent in the last decade or two. Ultramarine was the finest and most expensive blue used by Renaissance painters. It symbolizes humility and purity. Qualities Antoine believes is core to strong relationships.