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Artwork Statement
Cyanosis is an ongoing painting project. The term cyanosis refers to a blueness of the skin that results from poorly oxygenated blood. In this series, the term functions as a metaphor for varying levels of deprivation of psychological, social, or emotional needs. Thomas has dedicated the past 14 years to making representational paintings of the people in his social circle.
The question of anonymity or upending anonymity is relevant in this series, in that most of the paintings are named after a significant female figure in the subjects’ lives. Jenna’s First. Tamara’s Father, Lindsay’s Friend… This titling method is a way of reinforcing the idea that the strangers that we encounter are loved by at least one person, asserting that this fact, rather than their personal achievements or renown, is what makes their humanity worth recognizing.