b-longing
An interpretation
The triptych 'b-longing' uses a clear geometric formal language and explicit symbolism to present a complex examination of longing, desire and the tension between individuals. The title itself, a play on the words 'belonging' and 'longing', refers to the dual nature of human relationships, in which both the desire for security and the yearning for fulfilment are central.
A mouth and a phallus - is it all just fellatio?
Upper panel:
The upper part of the triptych is dominated by a red figuration based on circular elements intersected or separated by horizontal black lines. This can be interpreted as a mouth. The red mouth, interrupted by black horizontal lines, seems to speak of suppressed or blocked communication. Referring to the title 'b-longing' - a mixture of 'belonging' and 'longing' - the mouth suggests a desire that is not only physical but also emotional. The apparent blockage caused by the horizontal black lines seems to represent the difficulty in expressing these desires verbally, suggesting emotional inhibitions or social and cultural barriers that prevent the fulfilment of desire. The red dots in the corners of the panel symbolise repetition; the attempts to break through this inhibition and blockage as recurring impulses of desire and communication.
Middle panel:
The central panel shows a massive vertical shape that can clearly be interpreted as a phallus. The upper part is red, indicating energy, power and sexual activity. The phallus is accompanied by semi-transparent white figures and shapes that extend upwards across the image and can be read as sperm. This bold, pornographic representation of male sexuality occupies the central space and inevitably draws the eye, seemingly emphasising the dominance of the phallus and its central role in terms of desire and longing.
Lower panel:
In the lower part of the work, the phallic form continues, with the red semicircles at the bottom of the picture not only following pure physiology, but also symbolising a basis or starting point for all interaction. The geometric rigour of this panel, in which the phallus continues in its clarity, suggests that male energy and desire is the central and structuring force in the dynamics of 'b-longing'. The presence of the phallus, which extends through both lower panels, clarifies the physical and sexual aspect of the desire depicted.
CONCLUSION
b-longing' addresses the complex relationship between desire and security, between physical and emotional fulfilment and spiritual strength. The title itself reflects the dual nature of human relationships: on the one hand there is the desire for security - for a place where one feels at home - and on the other there is the longing for physical and sexual fulfilment and ecstasy that escapes the world. These two forces, which can be both emotional and physical, shape every human experience and interaction.
The dominance of the phallus in this work suggests the central role of male sexuality in the expression of desire, while the red figuration, the mouth in the upper panel, symbolises the sexuality of any counterpart. A mouth seemingly open to receive, but also blocked and confined by the black lines. This dynamic seems to refer to the traditional, but also different, roles and expectations that men tend to have in relation to sexuality and fulfilment.
Overall, 'b-longing' invites masculinity to reflect on the interplay of verbal and physical desire, to question traditional masculinity and the barriers that block the expression of longing and need. Ultimately, it is about the deep desire for security that can only be fulfilled through physical and emotional closeness. On closer inspection, the work shows that true fulfilment lies not in the physical act alone, but in the ability to express desires and needs, to be understood, and to experience security in reciprocity.