Have-Hivemind 2021

Camilla d'Errico's painting, "Have-Hivemind", presents us with a striking image: a figure with her head open, releasing a swarm of colorful bees. Bees, historically, are potent symbols of community and industriousness, often associated with the concept of a collective mind or hive mentality. But let us consider the emotional landscape. The figure's posture, head in her hands, speaks of vulnerability. The swarm of bees emerging from her head could represent thoughts, memories, or perhaps even anxieties taking flight. The visual impact is reminiscent of the Furies or Erinyes from classical antiquity – ancient symbols of inner torment. There is a duality at play: the vibrant colors of the bees contrast sharply with the figure's muted tones and distressed stance, perhaps indicating a struggle between inner chaos and outward expression. Such emotional resonance mirrors the Dionysian frenzy, a psychological state where internal passions and external realities collide. This modern piece captures an age-old tension between our individual consciousness and the overwhelming forces of the collective.