Anger/Forgiveness

Anger can bring out truths, embarrassment, insecurities, shame and repressed desires. It is a loaded and layered emotion. It can be loud, rough, direct and misdirected—but after an argument, forgiveness is what lingers in a relationship that is valued. Lisa McCarthy’s Anger/Forgiveness series visually represents what happens in that transition between anger and forgiveness. Which person will throw out the olive branch, put out the fire and admit they are wrong? Who will deny? Where does the common ground lie?

Oftentimes, there is a back-and-forth between the two states of mind: a slow walk toward a solution, or away from a previous reality. In many of the pieces in this series, there are two panels to represent this dialogue. The high-chroma colors and marks represent the dramatic turns of an argument, perhaps because when one is not heard, the volume must turn up. The softness of other areas might represent a kindness directed toward repairing the aftermath of the escalation. Relationships can get stronger or end because of arguments. Is there an in-between, or is it binary? Can one really forgive when shame and trauma and reminders persist? Hindsight is 20/20.