Skeleton

In Skeleton (2008), Nona Garcia subverts the tradition of grand landscape paintings by monumentalising an abandoned kitchen, thereby inviting the viewer to delve more closely into spaces that might easily be overlooked or forgotten. Working from a photograph, Garcia takes special care to realistically render the space in its abandoned state; the cracked walls, dirty floor, and the contrast between the white wall tiles and the soot-covered countertop and shelves adds to the feeling of melancholy. A metal chair turned at an angle and old newspapers are the only suggestions of human presence that might have once graced this site, which is now slowly being taken over by nature, as suggested by the vine growing out of a small crevice. This early work stands as a contemplation of both space and time, and already reflects Garcia’s interest in capturing the materiality and character of industrial materials, particularly the gleam of ceramic tiles, the rust covered edges of metals, the matte surface of concrete.