Here I exploration Envy one of the Seven Deadly Sins and its paradoxical counterpart: the Virtue of Kindness. It is a profound journey into the depths of human nature and morality. By meticulously planning and executing each piece, I delve into the raw essence of each sin and virtue, capturing their complexities and contradictions with raw honesty and insight.
The inclusion of the Heavenly Virtues alongside the Deadly Sins adds layers of depth and nuance to my work, highlighting the interconnectedness of these seemingly opposite forces. Through these paintings, I confront the ugly nature of both sin and virtue, challenging viewers to confront their own moral ambiguities and contradictions.
My exploration of these themes serves as a powerful reminder of the complexities of human existence and the eternal struggle between good and evil, virtue and vice. I invite you to engage in introspection and reflection, prompting you to consider the ways in which these universal themes manifest in your own lives and experiences.
My work serves as a testament to the enduring power of art to provoke thought, evoke emotion, and inspire transformation.
Julia asks: "What is the dark side of Envy?"
Exploring the dark side of envy and kindness in this painting highlights the complexities of these emotions and their impact on individuals and society.
Envy, depicted as a consuming desire to possess and destroy what others have, is portrayed in a sinister light - capturing the essence of envy as a force that blinds individuals to their own worth and drives them to pursue the possessions and attributes of others at any cost. The painting emphasises the self-destructive nature of envy, portraying the desire to change oneself into someone else as akin to wearing another's skin. This challenges viewers to consider the illusions of greatness perpetuated by society and the dangers of becoming consumed by desire and want.
In contrast, kindness is portrayed as a virtue that holds the power to uplift and heal. Here I explore the notion of kindness as an illusion, highlighting how even the most hideous individuals can feign kindness to deceive others. The expression "kill with kindness" serves as a reminder of the darker aspects of seemingly benevolent actions.
Through these interconnected paintings, I invite viewers to reflect on the interconnectedness of sin and virtue, and the choices individuals make in their lives. I encourage introspection and self-awareness, urging people to understand and control their primal natures in order to cultivate emotional intelligence and inner peace.
The deeper message coming forth.
As Envy grows, so does the depth of the message within the painting. Desires and aspirations sit tantalisingly out of reach, perched atop lofty columns. Fame, prestige, and power seem almost attainable but remain distant, obstructed by countless barriers. Those who have ascended revel in their position above others, finding meaning in their superiority. At the base of these grand pillars, the envious gather, drawn by proximity to greatness. To merely exist near such ideals gives them a fleeting sense of inclusion. They toil relentlessly, climbing frail ladders, striving to reach those heights, consumed by their envy.
At the centre of it all, my Envy commands attention. It perches on its own pillar, fragile and crumbling, built from mud. It shapes a new mask with scissors in hand, its grotesque green eye dominating the scene—larger than life, full of malice. This creature wears the skin of another, the stark contrast between the two tones amplifying its discontent with its own nature. It is a being that rejects what it was born with, a living embodiment of dissatisfaction. The cat, sly and covetous, becomes the very symbol of Envy, while Wrath, embodied by the devil, approaches with ice—cold and punishing—a karmic retribution for Envy’s sins.
Within the icy reflection lies Kindness, but not the kind we yearn for. This is a stifling, destructive kindness—smothering and unwanted, kindness that veers into harm. Its presence in the mirror underscores the complexity of virtue, showing that even something pure can mutate into something oppressive.
Far in the distance, the islands of freedom lay abandoned. These are sanctuaries where the free mind and spirit once thrived in peace, untouched by the clutches of greed and desire. Yet, they are forsaken, overshadowed by the grand illusion of consumerism. We have been shackled by a fabricated construct—a life built on endless wants and false fulfilment.
The path forward demands introspection: dismantling our sins, confronting them, and releasing ourselves from their hold. Only then can true liberation be found.
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