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Among the works exhibited at the Visual Arts Gallery of the University of Illinois at Springfield, we can see that spirit of loneliness in all her works, but particularly in the works such as “Departure,” “Light,” “Room”and “Dead Leaves.” Although all the works are painted in different styles, “Room” and “Departure” are figurative paintings; “Dead Leaves” reminds us of the works of the Surrealists, especially Magritte; “Light” is a combination of the abstract and figurative—they all convey the same spirit, the spirit of a certain loss, discomfort and solitude.

Although “Room” and “Departure” are similar in style, there is a striking similarity in composition between “Departure” and “Light,” figurative and abstract. “Departure” and “Light” both represent a small human figure against a vast background. In “Departure,” the figure is surrounded by disproportionally domineering and menacing buildings, whereas in “Light” the figure is in the middle of menacing geometrical structures. The narrowing path and the weight of the buildings and structures create an effect of aggression and claustrophobia. The image of the figure, walking away, having its back turned toward the spectator, accentuates the feeling of solitude, as if this figure were walking away from all hope in humanity.

In “Departure,” red is perhaps associated with blood and struggle, yellow might have an association with betrayal. The combination of red, yellow and blue create a particularly dramatic effect. Is that old city on fire and ready to collapse? Is the lonely figure, carrying a burden and walking away toward an uninviting winter country road leading toward the unknown, reminiscent of Lot, who not only lost his wife and his past, but also his daughters, and has only himself to rely on for his future? Although the composition of “Light” is similar to that of “Departure”—like “Departure,” “Light” bears the spirit of solitude and aggression, and conveys the sensation of being strangled by the surrounding world—the painting is more optimistic than “Departure.” In “Light,” the figure is leaving the dark space behind it and is entering a space full of light. The light at the distance, illuminating the road, is, perhaps, a symbol of hope. The predominant colors, different shades of