The images in this series show a labyrinth of escalators leading to higher and higher floors. The branches of the escalators on the floor platforms form nodes of a network of paths. All compositions of the digital paintings are in black and white. Black traces of light paintings are set on the escalators and platforms, which sometimes appear chaotic and form a great contrast to the exact 3D visualizations of the escalators. In the first composition, the viewer looks up a central escalator, with many branches opening up towards the top. The viewer has the choice to follow different paths – just like in real life. Three platforms are calligraphically inscribed with the words ‘Peace’, ‘Meaning’ and ‘Independence’.
‘Which Way?, Composition No. I from the painting series ‘Decisions for Life’ /// 2023 / Digital painting / Exposed on Ilford b/w photo paper matte / Limited edition: 3 + 1 Artist Proof / 13,287 pixels (H) ∙ 23,622 pixels (W) / 44,3″ (H) ∙ 78,8″ (W) / Handwritten titled and signed, dated and numbered with year.
In the second composition, the viewer looks down on the subsequent floors from a higher vantage point. Three platforms are labeled with the keywords ‘Adventures’, ‘Child’ and ‘New beginning’. In the foreground, blurred traces of light stretch across the entire width of the shot.
‘Which Way?, Composition No. II from the painting series ‘Decisions for Life’ /// 2023 / Digital painting / Exposed on Ilford b/w photo paper matte / Limited edition: 3 + 1 Artist Proof / 13,287 pixels (H) ∙ 23,622 pixels (W) / 44,3″ (H) ∙ 78,8″ (W) / Handwritten titled and signed, dated and numbered with year.
Graffiti-like light traces condense in the foreground and seem to want to take a central escalator staircase. On the way to an intermediate platform the word ‘Healing’ is written.
‘Which Way?, Composition No. III from the painting series ‘Decisions for Life’ /// 2023 / Digital painting / Exposed on Ilford b/w photo paper matte / Limited edition: 3 + 1 Artist Proof / 13,287 pixels (H) ∙ 23,622 pixels (W) / 44,3″ (H) ∙ 78,8″ (W) / Handwritten titled and signed, dated and numbered with year.
In the long shot, which gives a bird’s eye view, many escalators converge on the junction of a platform. Light trails seem to lead away from this platform. Three platforms are handwritten with the words ‘Tasks’, ‘Friendship’ and ‘Let go’.
‘Which Way?, Composition No. IV from the painting series ‘Decisions for Life’ /// 2023 / Digital painting / Exposed on Ilford b/w photo paper matte / Limited edition: 3 + 1 Artist Proof / 13,287 pixels (H) ∙ 23,622 pixels (W) / 44,3″ (H) ∙ 78,8″ (W) / Handwritten titled and signed, dated and numbered with year.
Traces of light appear to be clustered on one platform, looking out from a distance at a block of other platforms. Four levels are inscribed with the words ‘Freedom’, ‘Family’, ‘Reputation’ and ‘Lightheartedness’.
‘Which Way?, Composition No. V from the painting series ‘Decisions for Life’ /// 2023 / Digital painting / Exposed on Ilford b/w photo paper matte / Limited edition: 3 + 1 Artist Proof / 13,287 pixels (H) ∙ 23,622 pixels (W) / 44,3″ (H) ∙ 78,8″ (W) / Handwritten titled and signed, dated and numbered with year.
In the sixth composition, one trail of light seems to follow a second. At the end of the path is written ‘Separation’.
‘Which Way?, Composition No. VI from the painting series ‘Decisions for Life’ /// 2023 / Digital painting / Exposed on Ilford b/w photo paper matte / Limited edition: 3 + 1 Artist Proof / 13,287 pixels (H) ∙ 23,622 pixels (W) / 44,3″ (H) ∙ 78,8″ (W) / Handwritten titled and signed, dated and numbered with year.
Several parallel escalators lead upwards. Many different traces of light accumulate on different levels. Three of them are labeled with the words ‘Safety’, ‘Rest’ and ‘Carer’.
‘Which Way?, Composition No. VII from the painting series ‘Decisions for Life’ /// 2023 / Digital painting / Exposed on Ilford b/w photo paper matte / Limited edition: 3 + 1 Artist Proof / 13,287 pixels (H) ∙ 23,622 pixels (W) / 44,3″ (H) ∙ 78,8″ (W) / Handwritten titled and signed, dated and numbered with year.
In the last composition of the picture series, the entire picture surface is overlaid with traces of light. The word ‘Money’ is written on a platform.
‘Which Way?, Composition No. VIII from the painting series ‘Decisions for Life’ /// 2023 / Digital painting / Exposed on Ilford b/w photo paper matte / Limited edition: 3 + 1 Artist Proof / 13,287 pixels (H) ∙ 23,622 pixels (W) / 44,3″ (H) ∙ 78,8″ (W) / Handwritten titled and signed, dated and numbered with year.

‘Decisions for Life’

Digital Painting

Original human work, created without artificial intelligence.
This work is protected by copyright in all its parts.
© 2023 by Heinz Hermann Maria Hoppe. All rights reserved.
Color and tone value representations on monitors deviate from the original.

The image detail shows the calligraphic detail with the word ‘Money’ in approximate original size, depending on how wide your browser window is opened.
The second image detail from Composition No. VIII shows the rich detail of textures, tonal values, and a section of light trails.
Image details from the digital painting ‘Which Way?, Composition No. VIII’
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