Lynn Blackwell Denton, Aureole

aureole n. 1. A radiant light around the head or body of a representation of a sacred personage. 2. The luminous area surrounding the sun or other bright light when seen through thin cloud or mist: corona.

This five-panel painting by abstract artist Lynn Blackwell Denton was made in the aftermath of the September 11 attacks on the World Trade Center. She was living in New York at the time. There is a palpable sense of chaos, destruction, panic, and loss in this symbolic and personal statement. Lines and shapes are quickly rendered and appear to be floating or falling through space and collapsing on themselves. Denton received her MFA from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, and has taught at the University of the Arts and Moore College of Art & Design.