When I studied social anthropology, I encountered various definitions of culture, including the renowned perspective of American anthropologist Clifford Geertz (1926–2006). Geertz described culture as “webs of significance,” intricately woven from religious beliefs and practices, cultural customs, social interactions, attitudes, and behaviors—all the constructs of rational beings with thought and imagination. This painting, as it unfolded, became a reflection of precisely that concept. Its title, “Webs of Significance,” revealed itself naturally.
The painting incorporates a rich variety of materials: acrylic paint, spray paint, crayons, charcoal, Posca pens, and pencils. Collage elements add further depth: fragments of posters torn from billboard posters in Oslo, remnants of a Berlin city map, a postcard stamp from Munich from the 1990s, and more. To expand the story, I used image transfer techniques, embedding a photograph I took in December 2023 of billboard posters in Berlin.
Every layer of this painting contributes to the intricate "web" it represents, blending memory, place, and imagination into a single vivid composition.
Webs of significance
Dimensions: 30 cm x 30 cm
Medium: Acrylic and mixed media on wood
Framing: Unframed, ready to hang
Finish: UV-protective coating and varnish