"Daphne" oil on canvas, 150x115 cm
From ÖGONBLICK, 2024:
“This painting draws inspiration from the myth of Daphne and Apollo. In the myth, Apollo’s obsessive love for Daphne leads him to pursue her relentlessly, ignoring her lack of affection. Terrified of being raped, Daphne pleads with the gods for help, and they transform her into a tree, which Apollo still claims as his own.
I found the portrayal of this story as a tale of love to be deeply ironic. In my depiction, Daphne is shown as a woman fighting to escape, determined to retain her autonomy. Unlike the myth, where her only escape is through transformation, my Daphne strives for freedom without having to sacrifice her humanity. Escape and survival are possible without losing herself.”
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This painting takes inspiration from the myth of Daphne and Apollo, a classic story from Greek mythology. In the myth, Apollo, the god of the sun, becomes infatuated with the nymph Daphne and relentlessly pursues her, ignoring her clear lack of interest and affection. Fearing for her safety and desperate to avoid being violated, Daphne pleads with the gods, who transform her into a laurel tree as a means of escape. Despite her transformation, Apollo continues to claim her as his own, turning this so-called "love story" into one of possession and control.
I find it deeply ironic that this myth is often romanticized as a tale of love, when it is, at its core, about a woman fleeing for her autonomy. In my artistic interpretation, I choose to depict Daphne not as a passive figure resigned to her fate, but as a strong, determined woman fighting to escape Apollo's grasp. My version of Daphne seeks freedom and survival without sacrificing her humanity or being forced to transform into something she is not. She embodies resilience, showing that escape and autonomy can be achieved without losing oneself in the process. This modern reimagining challenges traditional narratives and emphasizes Daphne's strength and determination over victimhood.
This reinterpretation adds depth to the myth, bringing attention to themes of personal autonomy, survival, and resistance against oppression, making it a powerful narrative for contemporary audiences.
