Below is a concept developed for the Sub-Flat approach within Stage 2 – Sky and Water, incorporating the notions of separation, fluidity, and emerging interconnections:

Sub-Flat Concept: Sky and Water:

1. Duality and Interconnection

- Separation:

The artistic narrative unfolds across two fluid worlds: sky and water, each representing distinct yet interconnected realms. The upper space (sky) and the lower space (water) appear as distinct planes, each with its own attributes that, together, reflect infinite potential.

- Unity:

Despite their apparent separation, the abstract spaces of sky and water overlap in an ongoing dialogue; they are vectors of transformation where the essence of one nourishes the other. This interaction symbolizes the interconnectedness of natural elements and the dynamic interdependence between humans, animals, and their environment.

2. Fluidity and Transformation

- Transcendent Boundaries:

The transition from sky to water in this visual narrative reflects the theme of transformation. Boundaries dissolve as fluid patterns guide the eye from one state to another, suggesting that the interaction between different life forms and nature is constantly evolving.

3. Emotional and Symbolic Resonance

- Dreamlike Ambience:

Soft hues of blue, pink, and green create a surreal, dreamlike palette that invites introspection and subjective interpretation. This color palette, combined with abstract silhouettes of humans and animals, suggests a shared journey into the realm of the imagination, a space where identity, perception, and emotion merge. - Symbiosis:

The undetailed, almost universal silhouettes represent the collective human and animal experience. Their integration with the surrounding organic forms and abstract patterns emphasizes a harmonious coexistence, suggesting that our individual identities are intimately linked to the ebb and flow of nature.

Visual and Technical Manifestation

- Visual Composition:

At the center of the canvas, fluid patterns and organic forms interact with human or animal figures. Stylized abstract clouds or geometric shapes set the scene, creating a layered depth that intertwines the ethereal qualities of the sky with the tangible flow of the water.

- Movement and Layering:

The use of movement, whether through painted lines or digital motion in the final video, further blurs the line between static and dynamic, allowing the viewer to experience the sub-flat as a lived experience rather than simply a visual representation.

Conceptualization in a Larger Context

The sub-flat technique in "Step 2 – Sky and Water" is not an isolated artistic experiment; it is part of a larger dialogue about the interconnections between different worlds:

- Coexistence and Identity:

The work positions individuals, whether human or animal, as integral parts of a larger ecosystem. Their silhouettes, rendered featureless, invite the viewer to question their own identity in relation to natural forces.

- Exploring Boundaries:

Just as the sky and water embody both separation and unity, the work questions the boundaries we perceive between the different facets of our lives. It philosophically challenges the notion of fixed identities by emphasizing transformation, fluidity, and the transient nature of perceived separations.

Collaboration and Creative Dialogue

This phase is the result of a unique collaboration between Muriel Lherm and Treeskulltown. By merging distinct artistic voices, the project creates a vibrant creative space where experimental aesthetics meet in-depth thematic research. The Sub-Flat strategy here becomes a shared language, a means to transcend traditional boundaries and address modern concepts of fluidity and symbiosis.

Conclusion

Stage 2 – Sky and Water: uses the Sub-Flat artistic approach to offer a complex exploration of dual natural worlds. Through its interplay between separation and unity, the work becomes a meditation on transformation, connection, and freedom. This narrative, rooted in fluid abstraction fits with the overarching theme of introspection and shared existence, inviting the viewer to reflect on their own role in nature's living dialogue. To learn more about the conceptual basis of this work, see the sub-manifesto published by Treeskulltown on Medium.

This developed concept positions the Sub-Flat approach not only as a visual aesthetic, but also as a philosophical investigation into the nature of existence, the interaction between different worlds, and the inner life of all beings living in and on these dynamic spaces.