Transformation in Alchemy, 2023

Acrylic with gold leaf on canvas, 145cm x 150cm

This is painting is part of Alchemy Series. I was inspired by Hilma af Klint’s The Swan series. In alchemy, the swan represents purity, transformation, the union of opposites necessary for the creation of the philosopher’s stone, a substance believed to turn base metals into gold.  Arsenic (in goldleaf) is not a traditional alchemical symbol. However, metaphorically, its toxic nature could be interpreted as a symbol of transformation through a potentially destructive process. In our own alchemy journey, the destructive process is often seen as a necessary step leads to a higher, purified state symbolized by the swans. When we looking back this process we realise that it was beautiful blessing to make who we are today.