Oil painting on canvas, 2023
61cm/122cm/3,5cm (24"/48")
 
"Everywhere I went in Egypt, I was greeted by the stunning sight of lotus flowers. They were so ubiquitous in Egyptian art, from hieroglyphs to carvings, that it was impossible not to be inspired by their beauty. I knew I had to create a painting that celebrated this magnificent flower. The ancient Egyptians held the lotus flower in high regard, assigning it various features and capabilities. It was used as a perfume, in medicine, and even as a stimulant for sexual attraction. Its meaning was creation and rebirth, and it was considered a symbol of the Sun, rising every day to open up to its warmth. As night fell, the lotus flower would retreat beneath the water for a peaceful sleep.
I was captivated by this story and knew I had to create a painting that captured its essence. The painting features the Sun and the Moon, representing day and night, and the combination of the two symbols of the Sun and Duck, commonly seen in Egyptian hieroglyphs. While the meaning may not be directly connected to the painting, it was my own reflection on yet another little something I had learned from hieroglyphs. All the animals, birds, and fish depicted in the painting are common to Egyptian fauna, and I believe this artwork radiates universal harmony and peace. It is a celebration of the lotus flower, a symbol of beauty, creation, and rebirth, and a testament to the enduring legacy of ancient Egyptian art."