How to talk about a painting without saying anything at all Part 17. 'Of Enigmatic Essence'.

Apophenia:
An Uncanny Presence.
2022-

Whilst exploring painted spaces via my Personal Topographies series I was constantly aware that the next development in this painted process would be the introduction of abstract presences. Although I have been using the word presence to denote the manifestations in my work, I am now wondering if it is perhaps the best word to use. If the presence in question is always, pseudo human should I be considering the idea of anthropomorphism instead? Or perhaps in more global terms pareidolia? Or more properly apophenia?

How to talk about a painting without saying anything at all Part 17. 'Of Enigmatic Essence'.

1/26/2026

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'Of Enigmatic Essence'.
Oil on canvas, 27.5 x 20.5 inches (70 x 52cms).

How to talk about a painting without saying anything at all Part 17. 'Of Enigmatic Essence'.

Enigmatic: a person or thing that is mysterious, puzzling, or difficult to understand. Mystery, puzzle, riddle, conundrum, paradox.

Essence: a property or group of properties of something without which it would not exist or be what it is. Core, soul, spirit, ethos, nature.

This has been a very interesting painting for me. Throughout it's creation I have felt it's presence very strongly. Without it being anything specific it really has become something to me. I will actually miss it's presence on my easel, day by day I have looked forward to working on this piece.

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Apophenia:
An Uncanny Presence.
2022-