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The Weight of Existing
The Weight of Existing – Original Framed Abstract Collector Artwork by Erin McGrath Rieke
About This Artwork
I created The Weight of Existing in 2018 as part of my Turbulence Behind Tranquility project. Painted in black acrylic on archival paper, the work examines the invisible burden of living with depression.
The figure is reduced to quick, essential marks. Parts of the body emerge from the paper while others dissolve into the surrounding white space. Presence becomes uncertain. The figure is here, but maintaining that presence appears to require nearly everything it has.
I was reflecting on emotional exhaustion, isolation, and the gradual loss of self that can occur when survival consumes the energy once used for living. The empty areas are not vacant. They carry the pressure of what cannot be seen.
The Weight of Existing gives form to that private labor. It recognizes the effort required simply to remain when the ordinary expectations of life have become unbearably heavy.
Artwork Details
Artist: Erin McGrath Rieke
Title: The Weight of Existing
Year Created: 2018
Medium: Acrylic on archival paper
Image Size: Approximately 5 W × 7 H in
Framed Size: 11 W × 14 H in
Style: Contemporary Abstract Expressionism
Palette: Black and white
Subject: Depression, emotional exhaustion, isolation, survival
Series: Turbulence Behind Tranquility
Original Artwork: One-of-a-kind
Frame: Included; professionally matted and framed
Original Collector Artwork
This is a singular, one-of-a-kind work created by Erin McGrath Rieke. Its original brushwork, archival-paper surface, and physical construction exist only in this artwork. Any future prints will be clearly identified as reproductions.
A signed certificate of authenticity documenting the title, year, medium, dimensions, series, and original status of the work is included with the purchase.
Additional Information
The Weight of Existing belongs to a body of work examining mental illness, trauma, recovery, and the distance between outward appearance and internal experience.
Its minimal composition concentrates attention on the figure’s precarious presence. There is little visual shelter and nowhere for the subject to disappear completely. The work invites reflection on struggles that may remain hidden even from those standing closest to them.
Collector Price
$475 with shipping included
The price includes the original artwork, professional mat and frame, signed certificate of authenticity, protective packing, handling, insurance, and standard ground delivery within the contiguous United States.
Shipping and Local Pickup
The listed price includes standard insured delivery from St. Louis to one address within the contiguous United States. Expedited transportation or unusual delivery requirements may require an additional charge arranged with the collector before shipment.
Complimentary local pickup is available in the St. Louis area by prior arrangement. Shipping to Alaska, Hawaii, U.S. territories, and international destinations must be arranged and quoted separately.
Fine-Art Prints
Open-edition archival prints of The Weight of Existing may be offered separately. Prints are reproductions and do not include the original artwork’s frame or certificate of authenticity.
SEO Title
The Weight of Existing | Original Framed Abstract Art
SEO Description
Collect The Weight of Existing, an original framed acrylic work by Erin McGrath Rieke exploring depression, emotional exhaustion, isolation, and survival.
The Weight of Existing – Original Framed Abstract Collector Artwork by Erin McGrath Rieke
About This Artwork
I created The Weight of Existing in 2018 as part of my Turbulence Behind Tranquility project. Painted in black acrylic on archival paper, the work examines the invisible burden of living with depression.
The figure is reduced to quick, essential marks. Parts of the body emerge from the paper while others dissolve into the surrounding white space. Presence becomes uncertain. The figure is here, but maintaining that presence appears to require nearly everything it has.
I was reflecting on emotional exhaustion, isolation, and the gradual loss of self that can occur when survival consumes the energy once used for living. The empty areas are not vacant. They carry the pressure of what cannot be seen.
The Weight of Existing gives form to that private labor. It recognizes the effort required simply to remain when the ordinary expectations of life have become unbearably heavy.
Artwork Details
Artist: Erin McGrath Rieke
Title: The Weight of Existing
Year Created: 2018
Medium: Acrylic on archival paper
Image Size: Approximately 5 W × 7 H in
Framed Size: 11 W × 14 H in
Style: Contemporary Abstract Expressionism
Palette: Black and white
Subject: Depression, emotional exhaustion, isolation, survival
Series: Turbulence Behind Tranquility
Original Artwork: One-of-a-kind
Frame: Included; professionally matted and framed
Original Collector Artwork
This is a singular, one-of-a-kind work created by Erin McGrath Rieke. Its original brushwork, archival-paper surface, and physical construction exist only in this artwork. Any future prints will be clearly identified as reproductions.
A signed certificate of authenticity documenting the title, year, medium, dimensions, series, and original status of the work is included with the purchase.
Additional Information
The Weight of Existing belongs to a body of work examining mental illness, trauma, recovery, and the distance between outward appearance and internal experience.
Its minimal composition concentrates attention on the figure’s precarious presence. There is little visual shelter and nowhere for the subject to disappear completely. The work invites reflection on struggles that may remain hidden even from those standing closest to them.
Collector Price
$475 with shipping included
The price includes the original artwork, professional mat and frame, signed certificate of authenticity, protective packing, handling, insurance, and standard ground delivery within the contiguous United States.
Shipping and Local Pickup
The listed price includes standard insured delivery from St. Louis to one address within the contiguous United States. Expedited transportation or unusual delivery requirements may require an additional charge arranged with the collector before shipment.
Complimentary local pickup is available in the St. Louis area by prior arrangement. Shipping to Alaska, Hawaii, U.S. territories, and international destinations must be arranged and quoted separately.
Fine-Art Prints
Open-edition archival prints of The Weight of Existing may be offered separately. Prints are reproductions and do not include the original artwork’s frame or certificate of authenticity.
SEO Title
The Weight of Existing | Original Framed Abstract Art
SEO Description
Collect The Weight of Existing, an original framed acrylic work by Erin McGrath Rieke exploring depression, emotional exhaustion, isolation, and survival.
