Anyone who has been in a long-term relationship would understand the latest works of Fernan Escora in his exhibit Playing with  Intimacy at White Canvas Gallery. In the style in which he is known for, the artist creats form, visual depth and tone by cross hatching fields of parallel black lines on white primed canvass. From the myriad parallel lines that intersect in varying degrees spring forth the figures that comprise the subject of the body of works.

In many of the works are a man and a woman, in varying stances, that literally do not see each other eye to eye. Some look at each other in a manner that is both accusatory and defensive. Some, eyes glazed with images of what must be in their soul, only see what they want to see and fail to see each other.

While others, in defiance or annoyance, plainly refuse to look at each other. Also common to many of the works are ominous clouds. Some, heavy and full, appear to drip in thick, dark trickles almost simulating blood. Others appear as though balloons with various images – houses, goods, eyes – that stand for metaphors of desire and expectations. These clouds cover the mouths or the view of some of the figures, hindering honest communication. In a few of the works, half-hidden in the background is a third faceless figure, hinting at the perils when trust that enables intimacy is breached. In the canvasses that comprise this exhibit are the stories of the conflicts that arise when two people try to merge their personal lives and build a life together.

Fernando Escora’s  "Playing with Intimacy" exhibit runs from July 22 to August 7, 2010 in the White Canvas Gallery, 78 Guan Chuan St., 01-41 Tiong Bahru, Singapore 160078