The abstract expressionist artwork "father in the why, if not the how" incorporates various compositional elements to convey the profound impact of the artist's father abandoning his family when Skyler was just five years old. The artwork is based on a photo of an acrylic painting that was then redesigned through computer sketching and multiple program processes.
The predominantly somber palette, with earthy, muted tones, reflects the melancholy and emotional weight of the father's absence. The sparse use of lighter and more vibrant colors contrasts with the darker shades, symbolizing fleeting moments of hope for the father's return and the lingering presence of the father in the artist's memories.
The figures and shapes in the composition are abstract and distorted. The central figure, the father, is elongated and seems to stretch across the canvas, suggesting a looming presence despite physical absence. The surrounding shapes and figures appear chaotic and unstructured, illustrating the confusion and emotional turmoil stemming from the father's chaotic life.
The lines in the work are jagged and irregular, adding to the sense of instability and unease. These harsh, broken lines represent the fractured relationships and the emotional scars left behind by the father’s departure.
Abstract expressionism, emphasizing conveying emotion rather than depicting reality, works aptly for a theme dealing with emotional trauma. Reminiscent of artists like Kooning or Francis Bacon, with its distorted figurative elements and expressive lines. The overall effect is quite visceral and emotional, exploring themes of human identity, social interaction, or internal psychological states.
In addition, the framing of the artwork adds a classical touch to the modern, expressive painting, creating an interesting contrast between the traditional presentation and the avant-garde content.
