Relief for “Song of Songs”

Year Created: 1995
Width: 35cm
Height: 50cm
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The Song of Songs: A Visual Symphony of Love and Life

A profound and distinct cornerstone of Aaron April’s oeuvre is his dedicated series inspired by the “Song of Songs.” This body of work, so significant that it warranted its own exhibition catalog in 1982-1983 (featuring an introduction by Felix Roziner and a letter from the artist), stands as a testament to April’s ability to translate ancient poetry into vibrant visual meditations.

April’s interpretations in this series are described as being in perfect accord with the beautiful biblical verses, inviting the observer to discover their own profound associations within the Old Testament imagery presented on canvas. These paintings are not merely illustrations; they are deep visual ponderings about life and love.

Felix Roziner eloquently describes these paintings as featuring “lovely feminine forms lit by an inner light, dissolved in the transparent watercolor.” This “inner light lives on beautiful profiles and naked bodies, shimmering and vibrating near the elusive brink,” powerfully echoing the poetic lines of the Song of Songs.

Roziner further illuminates the intricate structure beneath the seemingly free variations within the series, comparing the “Locked Garden” tetraptych to a Bach fugue. He highlights an “uninterrupted development of three ‘voices’: colour, line and the compositional equilibrium of the figure,” revealing a meticulously planned harmony and entirety that enriches the viewer’s experience.

April himself acknowledged his continuous return to the “Song of Songs” as an inexhaustible source of inspiration, underscoring the deep personal and artistic significance of this remarkable series.

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