REFECTING OUR DEEPEST SELVES

What is intimacy? Is it Love? Sex? Sometimes, but It is not only those things. It can be expressed in many ways, and the visual arts are the perfect window to reveal [the] intimacy in contemporary society. Through art, it is possible to both analyze and gain a better understanding of this complex concept, such as when a talented artist is truly able to channel the sensation of intimacy from an innate feeling or emotion into visual expression. The truly tuned-in artist ‘speaks’ from a personal perspective that captures these intimate moments of inspiration and illuminates their universality for the world. These last few months, we’ve all been forced to be a little more intimate with ourselves/homes/families due to the global lockdowns, restrictions and uncertainty. These experiences have been an inflexion point in the creative development of artists and a source of inspiration that the art-loving public to which we are now privy.

To illustrate the different approaches of intimacy, we have selected four unique artists: Betsy Podlach, Buket Savci, John Mazlish and Jason Hatfield, each with unique ways of expressing intimacy. (All four artists have participated in several SeeMe competitions and have been selected due to the force their artwork conveys).

The term intimacy has its origins in the Latin words “intimus, intimare, intimatus”, which mean to impress, make familiar or have an affectionate personal relationship. By definition, the word intimacy implies a feeling of closeness to another person and/or acknowledgement of another person, in general it involves two or more parties, but an individual can also be intimate with itself - not in a physical way. Therefore, we must think about it as a deep connection between two subjects involving consciousness, acceptance, appreciation and compassion. Intimacy comes with time, the sum of experiences carries out these intimate moments.

The concept of intimacy has evolved, and though some individuals tend to think of intimacy with sexual overtones, sex is only one way of initiating an intimate moment.

The main type of intimacy encompasses familiarity and caring, which can also develop into deeper feelings and attachment, such as love. It is in those details of caring that a person can build deep and memorable moments. John Mazlish, a natural adventurer, seeks to reveal unique fleeting moments in life. His photograph, “Joy”, below represents an intimate moment between two individuals - Mazlish captures familiarity, caring, and trust rendered timeless and universal through black and white treatment.

Physical or experiential intimacy shares a blurred line with emotional intimacy as sometimes demonstrations of love come with shared experiences. Physical intimacy is developed when the subjects are involved in activities together such as walking together, painting, or sex; however, this association is not always a sufficient condition to ensure a moment of intimacy, as for example, one of the persons involved does not consider this moment meaningful.

The paintings above show both emotional and physical intimacy. The three works share intimate moments of couples or two persons that are creating an intimate moment. The first work shows a woman and man cuddling, the woman is looking to the audience, with penetrating focus, whereas the man is lost in reverie. One could have different opinions about the moment, but for sure, it is intimate. Podlach’s other paintings are located in personal rooms of a house, such as a bathroom or a bedroom. The couples are also revealed to each other through their nudity and, in spite of their physical separation, they share a moment in peace.

Meanwhile, Savci’s paintings are notably modern and show the intimacy and connection possible in a big group. Several people sprawl and intertwine, touching each other in a peaceful interlude. Perhaps they are asleep after a long day or party, but regardless of the activity, their intimate relationship is palpable. Savci’s revellers share a blissful moment. It recreates a nostalgic moment suggesting the fantasy of simpler times or simple pleasures. Despite the sexual reference, the peaceful and un-self-conscious demeanor of the participants reference both innocence and longing, and offer a layered, deceptively simple, and contemporary commentary on our moment in time.

**Jason Hatifield, ‘Cannon Beach Starlight’**

Spiritual intimacy implies becoming close to a higher being or a deeper inherent meaning or purpose. This type of intimacy involves exploring your inner feelings and thoughts and goes beyond emotional, physical or intellectual intimacy. A perfect example of spiritual intimacy in art is the work of Jason Hatfield. Hatfield’s photographs suggest harmony between the natural elements and inspire awe and a sense of grandeur; Hatfield’s nature is imbued with higher meaning and we, as viewers, are drawn into connection with the artist, the earth, and ourselves, transmitting peace.

article by Andrea Torriglia