Empty Box Cassette / Object (2021/2022)
The music release extension of my Empty Faces series, titled Empty Box is available now – order / info here. Each box comes with one original torn up drawing in an envelope. The artwork can be reassembled and/or framed. You can stream the first full track here.
Empty Faces (2020/2021)
The face is empty because the mind is searching for an answer to the biggest questions. If there is any justice, the expression will turn to one of acceptance, not despair.
These pieces will be part of the music release Empty Box, available now from Cipher Productions (info in section above).
Toll (2019/2020)
In 2019, I started the Toll drawings as a way to address my biggest concern: the human impact on Earth. Many people who try to defend nature are regularly murdered, and that news is underreported. This is a reflection of humanity’s predicament. We are focused on our immediate problems, and our leaders are focused on money, and maintaining their power. If we don’t bother to notice the death of the people who try to preserve the environment, how are we going to do anything about the death of our planet?
For more information please visit globalwitness.org
The last ten copies of the Toll artists’ book (signed and numbered) are available directly from me. Click here for more info on Instagram or email me at vergeoflight (at) gmail (dot) com
The images below are murdered environmental / rights defenders in the following order (full details in the book): Patrick Muhayirwa, Maria do Espírito Santo, Jöel Lunea, Jehry Rivera, and Vicente Cañas.
My Dark Hunger (2019)
“You really do frighten me now, for you’re really very close to me, enclosed within my state of rage, my dark hunger, my thrashing like some newborn creature” – From the poem “To Death: A Fragment” by Pier Paolo Pasolini
My Dark Hunger began thru drawing men’s faces in what could be seen as either distress or pleasure. I happened to be reading Enzo Siciliano’s biography of Pier Paolo Pasolini, noticed a connection, and pursued the sensation. While completing the work for the first exhibition, I revisited Pasolini’s films, and read a selection of his writings including the novel “A Violent Life.”
These works were exhibited at Azoth, Portland, OR, Ikigai Room, Bologna, Italy and Studio Co-Co, Rome, Italy.
The above India ink drawings were enlarged into hand-painted 45 x 36″ canvas pieces. The following photo is from the “My Dark Hunger” exhibition at Ikigai Room, Bologna, Italy in June of 2019.
Violent Society Artists’ Book (2018)
This publication is made up of two August, 1977 magazines, “Violent World” and “High Society” digitally collaged 50/50 by corresponding pages. Printed in a hand-numbered limited edition of 50 copies (SOLD OUT).
Jonathan Canady 