Metamorphosis
Oil painting on canvas paper, 2024
1. The Doomed One
The deepest paradox of our existence is the apparent divide between life and death. We exist only to die—a truth that accompanies us yet remains unfathomable. Symbolically, a nutcracker is embedded within the figure—an instrument that might unlock this mystery. Around her: a noose, a skull, a black sun—symbols of transience and mortality. In our culture, death is often associated with fear and darkness. Yet the doomed one appears in vibrant colors, with a flower on her body and fresh green, representing hope. Perhaps behind our ominous perceptions lies a hidden beauty—one we have yet to recognize.
2. The Hissing Foxes
The hissing foxes protrude from the figure’s head, resembling a jester’s hat—a symbol of the moment when emotions take control and overwhelm us. Who hasn’t experienced this? The figure itself radiates clarity and rationality, yet beneath the surface, turmoil brews. Anger, sorrow, and all the emotions we try to suppress remain ever-present. They warn us, demand attention, and accompany us through life—whether we welcome them or not.
3. The Bearer of White Crows
White crows are fascinating symbols in mysticism. While black crows are often associated with omens, transformation, and the spirit realm, the white crow represents the rare, the inexplicable, and the supernatural. It embodies the extraordinary—something that defies norms—a sign of enlightenment, spiritual guidance, or the breaking of illusions. In many cultures, a white crow is seen as a messenger between worlds, a being with access to hidden wisdom. It may symbolize purity within darkness, a truth that stands apart from the masses, or the ability to perceive the unseen.
4. Moth Whispers
The moth symbolizes the relentless search for meaning and truth—the urge to explore and understand oneself and the world. Yet, this longing carries danger: those who come too close to the light risk being burned. The smaller moths serve as a warning against hubris—the overestimation of oneself that runs like a red thread through human history. They remind us that insight and arrogance often lie close together, and that not every light brings salvation.