States of Inner Movement
By Michelle Carolina Levie
States of Inner Movement is a series of paintings and ceramic objects that trace a personal transition from the digital lens of photography to the tactile of the hand. Developed between Madrid and Doha, the work documents a shift from internal inquiry to outward clarity.
The series is anchored by foundational works created in Madrid. Stark panels that represent the “conception” of the idea and the navigation of a silent, interior space. Arriving in Doha provided the expansive perspective and tranquility needed to realize the vision. The city’s unique pace and the openness of its landscape offered a sense of creative permission, allowing the work to unfold without judgment.
Formally, the series relies on repetition and circular motifs. In these compositions, repeating colors act as a form of personification, recurring voices or identities that move through the work, evolving in response to the environment. These palettes are not merely decorative; they are the “protagonists” of the series, reflecting the warmth and elemental energy of the Gulf.
By working across canvas, wood, and clay, I explore how internal movement can be grounded in physical materials. Ultimately, these works are records of duration and attention. They reflect a deep belief in the connection between the arts. Where visual form, the written word, and the physical environment enhance one another to tell a story of transformation.