Narcissus in the 21st century. ...
Technique: Mix media. Watercolor, acrylic, oil pastel, colored pencil, gel sticks. Mounted on a wood panel.
Size: 22" W x 30"H x 1"D
2023
This painting portrays an intriguing figure with four eyes, each of them reflecting deep sadness and nostalgia. Their face exudes a sense of melancholy and contemplation. In one of their three hands, they hold a cellphone while taking a selfie. However, the image on the cellphone is distorted and does not reflect the reality of their appearance, suggesting a disconnect between one's self-perception and the image presented to the world.
This enigmatic figure is situated above a river, evoking the story of Narcissus, who fell in love with his own reflection. The presence of the river symbolizes introspection and self-reflection, as well as the quest for one's own identity in a world where appearance and reality may be in conflict.
Surrounding this figure are several cellphones with eyes, representing the outside world and the hypocrisy in which we live. These mobile devices symbolize the obsession with public image and the shallowness of modern society. The figure appears caught between their own distorted image and the expectations and judgments of a world that is always watching.
Overall, this painting offers a powerful reflection on alienation, self-image, and the disconnect between reality and perception in the digital age. It invites the viewer to question how we see ourselves and how we relate to the world around us in an era marked by the omnipresence of technology and social media.