Escape into Reality by Michal Trpak

This is a painting/sculpture made from cement, acrylic paint and wood that appears to be standing and contemplating itself.  The artist is posing the question ‘What is art?’ and also ‘What is the purpose of art?’.  However I feel that this piece actually goes beyond this and also invites other philosophical questions about perception, reality and our own existence.  I was attracted to this piece because I found it thought-provoking and engaging.  It made me think of how a person may gaze at themselves in a mirror and perhaps ponder for a few seconds on their own existence, asking themselves ‘who am I?’.  I like the strong way the materials have been used and the overall effect that has been achieved.  I also feel that the ambiguous nature of the painting makes the piece more intriguing.