Oil on canvas, 23” x 30” plus frame. Professionally hand painted and distressed frame by artist to Guild of Framers Museum Standard. Also called 'Summer Nights' and ‘Dancing In The Moonlight’.

‘Sherman Kelly wrote the song Dancing in the Moonlight in 1969, while recovering from a vicious assault by a gang, he "envisioned an alternate reality, the dream of a peaceful and joyful celebration of life”.

In this alternate reality, one may find a realm of utopianism, a place of longed-for felicity and joy. Here, people are able to exist in a condition of blissful tranquility, free from the constraints of their everyday lives. This dream-like state is one of profound delight and joyfulness, a place where the struggles and sorrows of life are forgotten and replaced by the rapturous delight of the present moment.

The beauty of this alternate reality is that it exists beyond the realm of the mundane. Here, one can revel in the wonders of life, explore the mysteries of the unknown, and find solace in the depths of one's soul. There is an air of serenity, an aura of bliss that permeates the atmosphere. The dream of a peaceful and joyful celebration of life is one of optimism, hope, and joyousness, an ideal that can be realized in this alternate universe.

As we experience this alternate reality, we can find the courage to let go of the trappings of our everyday lives and enjoy the simple pleasures of life. We can immerse ourselves in the music of the cosmos, the smell of the flowers, the beauty of art and the laughter of the birds. We can bask in the beauty of the natural world, allowing our hearts to be filled with a sense of exultation and wonder. We can find peace in the stillness of the night, and joy in the brightness of the day.

The dream of this alternate reality is a call to remember that life is precious and that we should strive to find joy in every moment. May we all find the courage to embrace this dream and create a world where peace and joy reign supreme.

In this alternate reality, one may find solace and refuge from the incessant clamour of the mundane world. Here, the languid, amaranthine bliss of a life well-lived is available to all who seek it. This is the reverie of a tranquil, jubilant celebration of existence, a dream that captures the imagination, and transports one to a place of sublime delight.

The promise of this alternate reality is to be found in the beauty of its simplicity. It is a place of contemplation, where the eternal mysteries of life may be contemplated with a quiet, introspective wonder. Here, one can find a sense of stillness, a refuge from the chaos of the everyday.

In this alternate reality, one can also find joy in the little things. There is a gentle, effervescent delight that comes from savouring the small moments - the friendship of a beloved companion, the laughter of a child, the warmth of a sunny day.

Above all, the promise of this alternate reality is to bring peace and joy to the lives of all who seek it. In this place, one can find a sense of belonging, a place of contentment and joy, a place of hope and renewal. It is a place of serenity and love, a place that gives us hope in even the most trying of times. An ecstatic peace and contentment.’

Christina Ignatiou.

PAINTING “DANCING IN THE MOONLIGHT” BY WILLIAM OXER