Yin above; Yang below
Concept and original artwork by Karen Rogers for client ABMMA Noosa November 2021

YIN YANG AND TAIJITU A tryptich inspired by the dynamic forces of Yin and Yang.
The piece was commissioned by the founder of the Australian branch of Biometric Meridian Massage Therapy (ABMMA). The client brief was simple – something in red to fit a small alcove in the reception area of the Noosa studio. The practice of Biometric Meridian massage uses an electrical current to promote good circulation of the blood.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine philosophy, everything has yin and yang forces including our bodies and whilst either of the two aspects may manifest more strongly; the one cannot exist without the other.
Taijito (below) is the balance achieved when Yin and Yang run freely. I’ve kept the painting mid tone dominating to different this from the other two. Whilst the pieces work individually, when hung together the full story begins to emerge and each picture has its own energy force.
Artist Statement
A limited palette of Ultramarine Blue and Cadmium Red in their various tones represent the cold and hot opposing properties of Yin and Yang. Yang is dominant with the vibrant high key values taking up the majority of the picture. Yin has dark Ultramarine tones nearly black.
Acrylic and mixed media including artists own marks on rice paper collage, oil stick gestural marks, pastel and pencil. The grounds are 3 x 30cm square wooden box frames with a four coat sealant and a final cold wax satin finish.

Inspiration for the piece was the relationship between Yin and Yang which is described as sunlight playing over a mountain and a valley. Yin, the shady place and Yang, the sunny side. As the sun moves across the sky, yin and yang gradually trade places revealing what was obscured and obscuring what was revealed.
Picture below: First layer underpainting in the Queensland outback provided its own energy, great light and a spectrum of reds.
