Untitled 2014

Sofia Areal's painting captivates with its dominant symbols: a vortex of black strokes swirling against a stark white, counterposed by a field of intense red. The vortex, an ancient symbol, speaks to cyclical movement, transformation, and the chaotic dance of energy. We see echoes of this motif across cultures, from the spiraling labyrinths of Crete to the cosmic dances of Shiva in Hindu art. In each context, the vortex represents a journey, a pathway through turmoil leading to revelation. Carl Jung would suggest this reflects our collective unconscious, a primal pattern etched into the human psyche. Here, the red ground is a symbol of vitality, emotion, and perhaps a hint of danger. Consider how blood, the life force, is also associated with passion and sacrifice. The two work in tandem. This painting then is a testament to the enduring power of symbols. Though abstract, the interplay of vortex and red invites us to delve into the depths of our shared human experience. They are not merely forms, but potent carriers of cultural memory, resurfacing with each viewing.