Byzantium & Margarita
acrylic on canvas 2m x 1.6m
The painting Byzantium & Margarita raises issue of conflict between a woman and authority. In this instance church hierarchy. The woman wants freedom to decide about her own life. On the painting one can see a woman completely covered, but for her face, which looks straight at the viewer. The look is very courageous. She holds a golden cage, that is open. Behind a woman there is a small crowd of men, most are men of the cloth. It is implied in the picture that they are turned towards a gold altar, They seem hypocritical, as church should serve people, including her. Yet, both worlds although turned away from each other are still close in proximity. It is up to them to turn towards her, or even up to her to close back the cage, and be submissive. It is up to the viewer to decide. This painting was painted during winter lockdown and shown as part of the Quo Vadis project / exhibition, shown during the European Night at the Museum this year (2021).