Narciso 2012

Carmen Delaco's painting presents us with Narcissus, the figure of classical myth, gazing at his reflection. This motif speaks of beauty, self-obsession, and the fatal allure of the image. The myth of Narcissus has been a recurring theme across centuries of art. In ancient Roman frescoes, he is often depicted in a garden setting, leaning over water. Here, Delaco presents us with a contemporary interpretation of the drowning man. His image, split between the earthly and its watery reflection. Consider the ancient Greek concept of "ekstasis," a state of being outside oneself. Narcissus embodies this, trapped in the enthrallment of his reflection. This painting serves as a potent reminder of how symbols evolve, carrying echoes of the past while constantly being reborn in new forms.