There is an underlying darkness in nostalgia. It draws us into a pain-laced reminiscence where we can feel safe in the static moments of our past. Lost memories of times in our lives when we felt at our happiest become these idyllic memories that we never want to leave. We feel so comforted by these moments that the pain of existing in the present can be too much to bear. The world as it is can be a harsh place, and these memories provide an escape, a level of solace in the fact that they don't change.

The veil of darkness is often hidden in the fondness of past experiences. It's the thematic nature of nostalgia that draws me in. On the surface, it's a place of peace, but below that, in the depths of the work, there is sadness. An empty scene of a living room becomes this place where you feel you can exist, but there is loneliness here.

In the works of notable artists such as Norman Rockwell, who often embrace nostalgic themes, there's a distinct capture of fleeting, joyous moments. However, the true power of these artworks lies beneath their serene surface. They evoke a sadness, a sense of mourning for bygone moments that are forever lost in time.

For this specific collection, I wanted to capture more of the darkness when it came to nostalgia. In a sense I wanted the darkness to be seen first, the sadness of moments that have been lost to time. The title of Empti, is symbolic, as it is meant to represent to emptiness of the artwork itself. By emphasizing the "i", there is this overarching theme of the singular nature of how individuals can come across a specific piece of work.

By focusing on the sadness and emptiness inherent in nostalgic memories, the work invites viewers to confront these feelings directly, rather than experiencing them as subtext. This approach not only challenges the viewer but also deepens the emotional resonance of the art, making it a touching commentary on the human condition.

DeltaSauce

Music to go with the art.

Reminiscence, 2024 by DeltaSauce

When all that's left are our memories, we have nothing else. These memories become places of

contemplation in times of duress, like the living room with the old TV and lamp in the corner.

They represent a time when things felt utterly calm, a time when the burdens of life did not weigh on us.

It's a place we could go to unwind at the end of a long day and just sit, thinking about what's next. In the past, we often looked to the future with hope, not realizing how bad things would get. And now, we often look back at the moments of our lives that we wish we could relive as a way to escape.

Loss, 2024 by DeltaSauce

In the stillness, they are more than mere toys; they are relics of innocence, symbols of a time when each day was an adventure waiting to unfold. There's a silent acknowledgment in this room that echoes a universal truth: time passes, childhood wanes, and the nights grow quieter. But the toys remain, witnesses to the purest of joys, a gentle reminder that, while we all must grow up, the memories of our innocent explorations in those formative years will always remain, scattered across the floors of our hearts.

Unmade, 2024 by DeltaSauce

There are moments from my childhood when my mom would stay up late making lunch for school. Often distracted by other chores around the home, I remember her walking away to attend to something else. I would often sneak a peek at what she was going to put in my lunch for the next day.

Looking back, we often cherish such fond moments, but the realization that these are part of the past and can never be relived brings sadness. There's a sorrow in knowing that time is slowly eroding our memories.

To learn more about Longform, the project, visit https://colonnacontemporary.com/longform