HOME | DD

elftantra — Dionysus

#bacchus #dionysus #grape #alien #beach #buds #citrus #clouds #fence #grapes #leaves #plant #roses #sand #seeds #wine
Published: 2015-08-20 23:22:28 +0000 UTC; Views: 2577; Favourites: 67; Downloads: 0
Redirect to original
Description Oil on Canvas, 40 cm x 30 cm (approx. 16" x 12"), 2015

An anthropomorphic entity sets within grape leaves and rose buds. It exists between the realms of terrestrial and alien, flora and fauna, fruitfulness and decay. Its "heart" appears as a dark orifice reminiscent of a bony nasal septum, but fleshed over, blushed Merlot red with tissue--appearing almost reproductive. The entity holds at its base another iteration of that same shape, but not as an orifice or void--more akin to polished, mounted stone. Symbolically this creates a dualism along the vertical line of the body. The head of this creature blends visual properties: sperm-like translucent orange seeds, dendritic pith, and citrus flesh. It summarily results in a radial mandala characteristic of various enlightenment traditions--enhanced by its own independent illumination. Its "brain" exists as the fruit of the body. Weaving through grape leaves and taking on the quality of plant tendrils, this Dionysus holds two long cylinders. The objects are distilled representations of the color palette of the painting itself, while also being reminiscent of the color striping of 80's boys' and men's white socks. As compositional tools, they contrast against the dense organic nature of the foreground and build a bridge into the background, where we notice sand and a falling beach fence flowing into the distance.

Here, Dionysus is framed by fruitfulness despite some morbidity and darkness. He sets within an ambrosia nearing the edge of fermentation--the chrysalis for wine.

Related content
Comments: 10

Deborah-Valentine [2017-03-08 22:21:34 +0000 UTC]

excellent painting!

👍: 0 ⏩: 1

elftantra In reply to Deborah-Valentine [2017-03-25 21:26:06 +0000 UTC]

Thanks so much Deborah-Valentine!

👍: 0 ⏩: 0

farboart [2015-08-30 06:30:04 +0000 UTC]

Outstanding work as always, Cody!. That melty, citric entheogenic density is so unique!.

👍: 0 ⏩: 1

elftantra In reply to farboart [2015-08-31 19:07:54 +0000 UTC]

Awww Thanks Fabian.  Glad you like this piece.  I enjoy the marriage of entheogenic-derived imagery with academic discipline.  Probably over the next series of works however, there will be more of an emphasis on intricate psychedelic surrealism.  Hard to say for sure since the moment has a lot to say in the evolution of a work, as you know.  As always good to hear from you, stay joyously inspired!

👍: 0 ⏩: 1

farboart In reply to elftantra [2015-09-04 14:41:48 +0000 UTC]

Thank you Cody!, you also keep joyously inspired and keep the amazing work coming, all the best!!!

👍: 0 ⏩: 0

slayeroftiamat [2015-08-23 03:00:39 +0000 UTC]

The color tones of this immediately made me think of Beksinski. Great piece.

👍: 0 ⏩: 1

elftantra In reply to slayeroftiamat [2015-08-23 15:15:47 +0000 UTC]

Thank you for that compliment.  Wonderful that some quality of my work could remind you of such a great artist. 

👍: 0 ⏩: 0

jojo22 [2015-08-20 23:43:54 +0000 UTC]

Wow - awesome work!

👍: 0 ⏩: 1

elftantra In reply to jojo22 [2015-08-20 23:57:45 +0000 UTC]

Thanks jojo!!!

👍: 0 ⏩: 1

jojo22 In reply to elftantra [2015-08-22 20:53:48 +0000 UTC]

Welcome

👍: 0 ⏩: 0