2019 - East-Indian Ink on paper - A3

This work was a school assignment for the subject ‘Experiment’. In this artwork I tried to weave kind of a story into it. Everything in this ink-painting revolves around ‘vanitas’ ideas. Vanitas means ‘A still life artwork which includes various symbolic objects designed to remind the viewer of their mortality and of the worthlessness of worldly goods and pleasures‘. My whole life I have been interested in death and it’s meaning. Why are we here? What are we supposed to do? What comes after life? Theze are questions that remain unanswered for me.

‘Mind Labyrinth’ tells you the story of a skeleton (you, the viewer) stuck in his own mind. Looking forward, he sees only a white canvas. He has this feeling that most of us already have or will experience in their lives. Having to fill in a blanc piece of paper, canvas, ... If he looks behind them, nothing is to be seen. Only when looking forward again, his own demons that haunt him in sleep, come towards him, not feeling the constant threat these beings create. These beings also have the meaning of being afraid of not knowing, being scared of your inner demons. Also about being scared about making choices and not knowing what to do. Because your mind is a labyrinth full of corners and unexplored space yet to be uncovered.

All around the painting you can recognise Vanitas symbols, reminding you of the fact that life is only temporary. Yet, there is one light glowing in front of the person. Meaning that they only have one life, or having this fragile candle of life that is bound to melt by time.