Portrait of Compersion Print

Compersion is the feeling of whole-hearted and sympathetic joy we feel for somebody else, even when their positive experience does not involve or benefit us directly—like seeing a loved one love another. Depicted in the painting is a group portrait showcasing a variation of human relationships when set free from religion and repressive societal structures. The figures display the lesser known but commonly felt emotion: compersion.

In the realm of human relationships, this soothing emotion becomes available when one lets go their feelings of ownership over their partner(s).

Brothers of the Forest series explores our hard-wired human emotions and how they shape our human relationships with one another. In the paintings, the figures symbolize our emotions and their coexistence. My intention with this series is to invite viewers to examine what they think they know about human relationship templates versus what’s actually out there in the world.

Brothers of the Forest was created for Photonic Playground’s 1st LGBTQ themed show and Orange County Pride. To see and read about the painting series, visit: www.edmundliang.com/brothers