"Penumbra" : Original Artwork by Karien Bredenkamp
"Penumbra" : Mat Boards that Original and Limited Edition Prints get shipped in

"Penumbra"

$35.00
Print Or Original?:Limited Edition Print
Quantity:
Only 49 units left

Prints: Limited edition of 50

About The Artwork:

"Penumbra" is a mesmerizing black-and-white work of art created with intricate pointillism. It weaves together layers of symbolism through an ornate mask, twisting octopus tentacles, watchful chameleons, and a single peacock feather. The piece plays with liminality, transformation, and the tension between concealment and revelation.

A penumbra is the space between light and shadow, where clarity blurs and hidden truths emerge. The mask embodies this duality, representing both disguise and self-discovery. Across cultures, masks have been used in rituals, theater, and celebrations to alter identity, evoke spirits, or hide true intentions. They can empower, deceive, or reveal, making the mask in "Penumbra" a symbol of mystery and introspection. It asks the viewer: "What do we conceal, and what do we allow the world to see?"

Perched at the top, chameleons symbolize fluidity and adaptability. Known for their ability to blend into their surroundings, they symbolize transformation, perception, and the fine line between authenticity and self-preservation. In African folklore, they represent patience and wisdom, while in psychological symbolism, they reflect our tendency to shift personas depending on the environment. Their presence suggests an ever-changing identity, raising the question of whether adaptation is a survival mechanism or a loss of self.

Curling octopus tentacles emerge from the bottom, adding an element of intrigue and hidden power. The octopus is a creature of deep intelligence and mastery over its surroundings, capable of camouflage, problem-solving, and escape. In mythology, it is often tied to the subconscious, embodying mystery, intuition, and the unseen forces that guide us. Here, the tentacles seem to move with an eerie grace, hinting at something beneath the surface—whether it is control, chaos, or the ability to navigate the unknown.

A single peacock feather extends from the mask, adding a striking contrast of symbolism. Across cultures, the peacock represents beauty, pride, resurrection, and spiritual awakening. In Hinduism, it is associated with divine protection, while in Greek mythology, it is linked to all-seeing wisdom. The feather in "Penumbra" speaks to both the radiance of self-expression and the dangers of vanity, serving as a reminder of the fine balance between confidence and illusion.

Together, these elements create a layered and thought-provoking composition. The mask suggests hidden truths, the chameleons represent transformation, the octopus embodies mystery, and the peacock feather highlights the tension between authenticity and outward image. Is the figure in "Penumbra" lost in disguise, or are they in the process of revealing their true self? This whimsical black-and-white art piece invites viewers to step into the threshold of perception, where identity is fluid, secrets unfold, and the boundary between what is seen and unseen is never quite clear.

"She had blue skin,
And so did he.
He kept it hid
And so did she.
They searched for blue
Their whole life through,
Then passed right by-
And never knew."
― Shel Silverstein

What do you see?

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