2022
Encaustic, Oil, PanPastel, and Graphite
26”w x 40.5”h (unframed)
36”w x 48”h (framed)
Paper, Mounted under museum glass, Wood frame
SOLD
Description:
In Homer's Odyssey, the Sirens are creatures of temptation and desire that use their irresistible songs to lure victims to their deaths. Before passing the Sirens' island, Ulysses instructs his crew to put beeswax in their ears to protect them from temptation. However, possibly due to intellectual curiosity, Ulysses requests that his crew tie him tightly to the mast with his ears unplugged, so he may both listen and survive the Sirens' song. Ulysses was bewitched and fought to free himself from the ropes, but he and his crew were ultimately able to sail through to safety. This painting reimagines the Sirens as beautiful trumpeter swans, with aggressive betta fish lurking below the surface. Ulysses is depicted as a robust and sturdy elephant with delicate and torn butterfly-winged ears.
