Of all the strategies, notions, and approaches to modern art, for Lamantia
there was never a choice, but a desire to follow a certain direction, that
came in the form of an obsession. That obsession was with his dreams and
visions, and the need to record and communicate his feelings about them. It
is difficult because the work is always changing. It is in a constant state
of flux where narrative and psychological possibilities are set in motion
and clairvoyant and hallucinatory occurrences can become painted realities.
There is no fixed approach to these aesthetic problems Lamantia has created
for himself. The works are structured in a subjective state within certain
compulsive confines meant to draw the viewer into the dream. It is not
always possible to make the illusion accessible to the viewer. The intention
is not to illustrate, but to translate them into something real in the form
of meaningful images. There is no preconceived planning of visual invention
or execution of materials. This method creates artistic challenges and needs
that may only be satisfied by exploring new ways to express one's vision and
to express one's aesthetic problems. To base the work on conceptual or
formal values would be a misinterpretation. The paintings and drawings are
meant to be introspective events and should be experienced on an emotional
level.
