The human – non-human animal relationship is an overarching theme of my art practice. ‘Argus’ from the Deities Series explores the Greek Mythology of Argus, a faithful servant of Goddess Hera. Argus, the watchman, was a giant with many eyes, and upon his murder, Hera is said to have transferred his many eyes to the tail of a peacock to honor Argus. The peacock is symbolic of re-growth and rejuvenation, royalty, respect, honor, and integrity.

In the ancient world, humans were not just close to animals but, in most cases, deeply dependent on them. They were embedded in local culture and religion, often seen as gods, and sometimes fused with humans to unlock universal secrets beyond human limitations. However, In the modern world, most religions have abandoned the concept of human-animal divinities. Our Gods now are purely anthropomorphic.

40 x 50cm + Frame

Charcoal on Arches Watercolour Paper, framed in a black frame

Please contact the artist to enquire more about this piece.

This is a composition study drawing for a larger oil painting.

The human – non-human animal relationship is an overarching theme of my art practice. ‘Dionysus’ from the Deities Series explores the Greek Mythology of Dionysus, the god of vegetation, wine, and pleasure, and his sacred animal the Leopard. In the ancient world, humans were not just close to animals but, in most cases, deeply dependent on them. They were embedded in local culture and religion, often seen as gods, and sometimes fused with humans to unlock universal secrets beyond human limitations.

However, most religions have abandoned the concept of human-animal divinities in the modern world. Our Gods now are purely anthropomorphic. The leopard stepping down from the pedestal is a metaphor for the modern world and the breakdown in the relationship between humans, non-human animals, and nature.

40 x 50cm + Frame

Charcoal on Arches Watercolour paper, framed with a black frame.

Enquire about purchasing this artwork here

The human – non-human animal relationship is an overarching theme of my art practice. ‘Dionysus’ from the Deities Series explores the Greek Mythology of Dionysus, the god of vegetation, wine, and pleasure, and his sacred animal the Leopard. In the ancient world, humans were not just close to animals but, in most cases, deeply dependent on them. They were embedded in local culture and religion, often seen as gods, and sometimes fused with humans to unlock universal secrets beyond human limitations.

However, most religions have abandoned the concept of human-animal divinities in the modern world. Our Gods now are purely anthropomorphic. The leopard stepping down from the pedestal is a metaphor for the modern world and the breakdown in the relationship between humans, non-human animals, and nature.

The artwork is framed in a handcrafted Tasmanian Oak Frame with decorative Red Cedar corner splines to compliment the colouring of the Leopard.

DIONYSUS.

100 x 80cm

Oil on Aluminum Panel

Available exclusively at www.bluethumb.com