Faceless Figures

About this artwork

The mysterious figures in the “Faceless Figures” painting walk forward. They grow larger as they leave a deep abyss and become immersed in light. They move toward the brightness of renewal, as humanity must, to be released from a deep immersion in disease and fear. Renewal Now, what is joy? Dancing and singing in the morning sun? Inhaling newly cut grass with wet dew? Birdsong tickling my ears? Deafening, drilling, sawing, sirens awaken a city that slept. Miles of cars, all trying to get somewhere, anywhere. A man, furious, “learn how to drive, Lady!” She, giving him the finger, yells, “Fuck you!” I laugh, and shout, “We’re back!” Because, that roar is fully alive. Too quiet was ominous, deadly. A loud exhale, an adventure, walking down a street without a face cover, are finally, release. Hunger for human warmth starved. A hug brings tears. Seeing the smile of a neighbor, or, of a stranger, the antics of children, caress away my fear. How human we still are. A shared meal on the street delights; the wind blowing away my napkin immerses us in laughter. In that moment I say, “L’Chaim!” “To life!” and it's renewal. Not as we once knew it, but, who knows? Maybe better. —Jenna Lash