The series of abstract expressionism paintings and drawings "Freedom in Chains" (2021/2022) is an escape and a conflict with the world around us. They both indicate a constant struggle that can be said to be a private utopia. Combining different visual techniques, I try to shape each and every piece of artwork into one compact whole. Bold textures against pure colors and surfaces emphasize the restlessness and dynamics in the paintings.

The series of drawings certainly preceded and served as a starting point for larger format paintings. Gesture moves and thick black brushstrokes dictate the atmosphere and darkness hovering over the human soul. The influence of colors on achromatic drawings and paintings symbolically indicates a certain emotion or state that they hide. All these emotions and states are only part of Pandora's box within today's man.

Milica da Costa