The Exodus series paintings are concerned with the experience of higher awareness and spiritual revelation that results from the movement of peoples throughout the world. In these powerful paintings we see groups of seemingly displaced and anonymous peoples moving though landscapes that are hauntingly familiar and yet foreign at the same time. The landscapes seem to be moving and changing along with the journey the assembled groups or tribes of people seem to be undertaking. Although the urban, rural, and lunar geographies change, the paintings imply that the collective immigrant and migratory experience leads to a better place. As the title of the paintings Exodus refers to the biblical reference, the works portray an age old story replaying itself throughout the millennium and still happening today.
The paintings also work on a metaphysical level as the abstract landscapes distort dimension and perspective. The small figures within the paintings are adrift in much larger worlds evoking physical movement of atoms within molecules or data migrating between formats.
These highly charged images have a distinct character of purpose and meaning that is elegantly portrayed with heavy impasto, and layers of mixed media.
The works deal with persecution and human rights violations that create millions of refugees in underdeveloped countries, as well as legal and illegal Immigrants moving in search of work, food and shelter in developed countries.
The paintings are a cry for understanding in a world of change. They invite the viewer to join the march and walk together with others, unsure of their destination, yet comforted by their collective journey. An immigrant herself, the works provide insight into Maria Lago's personal story, of an established artist on another continent.