Margrave stands in a grand hall. Directly behind her is a gated corridor. To her right is a lit corridor and to her left a dark corridor. She looks off into the darkness deciding to take the darker path. She wears upon her head a mantle of position. Upon it's face is a swastika. In Margrave's arms rests a From what we think we know about these symbols we could be fairly certain who she is and what her motivations are, however 'Margrave' is a study of duality and misleading signs. Lets begin with her name, Margrave, a title given to German nobility corresponding in rank to a British marquess. Traditionally a male title. Perhaps gender roles have no place in her world. The owl can symbolize many conflicting things, wisdom, patience, introspection and a brooding nature, a symbol of knowledge and of erudition that can see through obscurity. Because of their nocturnal habits and plaintive cry they're seen by some as harbingers of death. They've come to symbolize a turning away from spiritual light and , conversely, Jesus Christ in the "night of suffering and death.' What could such a pet mean to Margrave? A bad omen? or an enlightened nature? The corridor behind Margrave is locked with an intricate gate, interesting and beautiful, however it still blocks her entry, could this corridor be the past? If so, one could venture her choices are limited without the knowledge of the past. Surely the present is more accessible , represented by the corridors flanking Margrave. It looks like she is going to choose the unlit path. Even though it's dark, her chosen path is not necessarily evil. It is simply unknown. And finally The symbol she wears proudly on her crown is not one of hate. Before it's perversion in the 20th century, the swastika had been for thousands of years a symbol of light, the sun and of good fortune throughout the world and it's many cultures. Perhaps we've misjudged Margrave... |
margrave acrylic 29x47 |