“Call of the Void” is an intimate 5 x 8 ink-on-paper piece that uses a limited color palette to explore the tension between presence and absence, drawing viewers into the emotional landscape of grief and isolation. The stark contrast between ink and the bare paper serves as a metaphor for the conflicting forces of life and loss, creation and destruction. The interplay of positive and negative space creates a visual dialogue that echoes the internal push-and-pull of despair and resilience, inviting the viewer to step into the void at the heart of this work.
In this piece, the ink is precise and exact, each line exhibiting a meticulous attention to detail. This precision reflects a sense of perfectionism in the artist’s approach, where control over every mark becomes a way of grappling with the uncontrollable nature of emotion. The inked forms are deliberate, reinforcing the idea that grief and trauma leave behind traces that are permanent, undeniable, and often inescapable.
The negative space surrounding the forms is just as important as the forms themselves. It represents the void—the emptiness and isolation that often follow moments of deep emotional pain. This balance between positive and negative space creates a sense of depth, as the viewer is drawn further into the void, contemplating what is both visible and left unsaid. The careful, controlled ink work amplifies the tension between the desire for order and the inevitable chaos that trauma brings.
The composition balances the precision of the ink with the expansiveness of the void. Though contained within a small 5 x 8 frame, the artwork creates a vast emotional landscape, pulling the viewer into a space that feels boundless. The limited palette serves to strip away distractions, focusing attention on the interplay between what is present and what is absent, echoing the internal struggle between the self and the void.
Accompanying Call of the Void is a poem that mirrors the emotional intensity of the piece. Written in both English and French, the poem speaks to the concept of l'appel du vide—the sudden, inexplicable urge to engage in self-destructive behavior. In everyday life, l'appel du vide might manifest as a fleeting impulse to swerve into oncoming traffic or the urge to leap from a high place. These thoughts, though rarely acted upon, reflect the delicate balance between control and chaos. The poem’s French lines, “l'appel du vide” (the call of the void) and “Il neige, le décor s'écroule” (it’s snowing, the scenery is falling apart), evoke a sense of disintegration, where the external world mirrors the internal collapse.
The use of precise, exacting ink strokes parallels the careful wording of the poem, creating a unified sense of control amidst the emotional chaos. The viewer is invited to engage with both the artwork and the poem, drawn into the void and encouraged to confront their own experiences with grief and emotional turmoil.
Ultimately, Call of the Void is an exploration of the tension between absence and presence, both visually and emotionally. The piece challenges the viewer to reflect on their own encounters with the call of the void and to consider how they navigate the internal pull toward chaos. Through its meticulous ink work and the delicate balance of positive and negative space, the artwork presents an experience of depth that transcends the small frame, offering a window into the vast emotional landscape of loss and the yearning for control.
Article written by Brie Ribepti
Art and Poem created by Perpetua All Mother
Photography provided by Perpetua All Mother
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