DAPHNE

2022, oil on canvas, 115x150

“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.”