Thomias Radin One is Enough to Set up the Freedom, 2021

One is Enough to set up the freedom, 2021, is an oil painting diptych on linen in an artist frame.

The painting consists of two panels, each depicting a male body from the back. The upper part of each of the bodies is bare, muscular, and twisted in movement. The heads of the respective bodies are barely recognizable and have been transformed into abstractions. In one case, the body on the left, the face has become a mask—likely a reference to the importance of masks in diverse rituals across West Africa. In the other case, the body on the right, the head has two faces, each in profile. One of these faces has both lips and a tongue whereas the other one seems to be emerging from the first—a possible reference to Athena emerging from the head of Zeus.

The two bodies are in motion, almost dancing, the left body has its left leg half up and the right body has its leg up and is twisted into a turn. Each is wearing a different pair of pants, the left body is wearing black trousers with traditional patterns on the side and some sneakers, the right body is barefoot and wearing a denim. Both bodies and panels are connected by the feet of each body crossing in the middle, sharing the same colorful marble floor. In the background you can see the sea and a sunset with some clouds in the sky. The foreground looks almost stormy and windy, with red petals flying through the air. It is unclear whether these swirls come from the dance movements or from the wind.

The title of the work suggests that it is about the challenges and battles that come being a person between countries and cultures, longing for freedom and a sense of home. It is hopeful, suggesting both resistance and the possibility for change and a brighter future. With the diptych, Radin weaves a story about the condition of being human, the power of movement and embodied knowledge, as well as the enduring significance of myths for our worldview.