See the Multiform Triptych Art by Jorge Possollo live at the Ultramar Gallery in Lisbon. Transform your environment with this unique piece and add a touch of exclusive art to your collection.
Triptych art form consist in three panels that are often displayed or hinged together, have a rich history and a unique capacity to convey complex narratives and themes. Originating from the early Christian church, triptychs were initially used as altarpieces, with each panel contributing to a unified spiritual message. Over time, this format has been adopted by various artists and movements, evolving in style and purpose while maintaining its intrinsic ability to create a symbiotic relationship among its parts.
The structure of a triptych inherently lends itself to a dynamic interplay between the panels. This arrangement allows for a narrative to unfold in a linear or simultaneous fashion, depending on the artist’s intention. The symbiosis between the panels is crucial; each part must be able to stand alone yet contribute to a cohesive whole, creating a sense of unity and balance.
A famous example of a triptych art is Hieronymus Bosch’s “The Garden of Earthly Delights.” This late 15th-century masterpiece exemplifies the triptych’s potential for complex storytelling whilst the symbiotic relationship among these panels is evident: the central panel’s excesses are framed by the contrasting states of innocence and punishment, creating a moral and philosophical commentary that is enhanced by viewing the triptych as a whole.
The inherent symbiosis in triptychs also allows for a powerful exploration of themes such as time, space, life and transformation. In modern art, Francis Bacon’s “Three Studies for Figures at the Base of a Crucifixion” uses the triptych form to explore psychological torment and existential despair. Each panel features a distorted figure, and the interactions among them create a cumulative effect that amplifies the sense of anguish and dislocation. The triptych format enables Bacon to intensify these emotions by presenting variations on a theme, each panel adding depth and context to the others.
Contemporary artists often use the triptych format to encourage viewers to engage more deeply with the artwork. The physical act of moving from one panel to the next can create a sense of progression, flow continuity, relates histories and new discoveries. This interactive element enhances the symbiosis of the panels, as the viewer’s journey mirrors the unfolding narrative or thematic exploration. The triptych’s ability to invite viewers into a dialogue with the artwork is one of its most compelling attributes.
This Multiform Triptych is meant to display the intricate and ever evolving path of human life, shaped amongst other factors, by the unpredictability of our origins, specific personal choices, mere random circumstantial events which are out of our control, interpersonal relationships and emotional states, all of these occurring in mixed, interlinked and symbiotic stages, to design a final, somewhat convoluted tapestry, with a flowing sequence.
Understanding and navigating our live’s complexity means embracing the richness and unpredictability of life, hence this triptych is intended to be distinct and impactful, leveraging the inherent symbiosis among the panels to create a rich, multi-faceted narrative. The interplay between the panels invites viewers to engage with the artwork on a deeper level, enhancing the overall experience and underscoring the enduring appeal of this tripartite form.