Optical Delusions: Tim Eitel

By Hilarie M. Sheets

"While Eitel’s paintings may project a sense of isolation—with figures not interacting with one another or the viewer—the artist is quick to point out that it’s not a cold feeling of detachment he wants to convey but just the opposite. By having his figures face away from the viewers, he lures them in. “I think it’s easier for the viewer to identify with the figure in the painting if it’s not looking back,” says Eitel. “It’s less of a portrait.” As his figures face the unknown, we’re right there behind them."

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