Curatorial notes
Yoko d'Holbachie's "The Beginning and The End" is rich in symbolism, reflecting a deep engagement with archetypal motifs. Dominating the composition, we see eyes everywhere, notably on a hand and forehead, alluding to the "all-seeing eye" that appears across various cultures and spiritual traditions, from ancient Egypt to Christian iconography, representing divine omniscience. This motif echoes in artworks across time; consider the Eye of Providence, often found in Renaissance paintings and even on modern currency. Its presence suggests a connection to higher knowledge and cosmic awareness. The open hand is another interesting symbol, a gesture seen in ancient rituals and art to ward off evil and bless. The repeated eye motif stirs our collective unconscious, a primal symbol of observation and judgment. Ultimately, in d'Holbachie's vision, the past is not linear but cyclical, continually resurfacing, evolving, and assuming new guises within the cultural landscape.
