Ephemeral Masquerade | SESSION AUG. 2018

This artwork evokes the ideas of Friedrich Nietzsche’s concept of the “eternal recurrence,” where individual moments and experiences are trapped in an endless cycle. The images also nod to Simone de Beauvoir’s notion of human existence as a “choice between being and nothingness.” The characters’ masks represent the social constructs we wear, hiding our true selves behind a veil of pretenses.

The artwork suggests that our lives are fleeting, like the masks, and that we must confront the impermanence of our existence. It invites the viewer to reflect on their own mortality and the choices they make in response to this existential reality.

Title: “Ephemeral Masquerade”

Description: “Ephemeral Masquerade,” is a series of digital illustrations created using Mandelbulb 3d, inkscape and Gimp software. The composition features:

• Five separate images, each representing a different character with a unique mask.
• A color palette inspired by Johannes Vermeer’s use of warm and cool tones, adding an air of intimacy and subtlety to the piece.
• Intricate details and textures created using inkscape’s vector tools and Gimpi’s layering and blending capabilities.

The images’ muted colors, subtle shading, and delicate lines invite the viewer to engage with the existential themes and philosophical ideas presented. The artwork’s overall tone is contemplative, urging the viewer to reflect on their own mortality and the choices they make in response to this existential reality.

References

• Friedrich Nietzsche: “Thus Spoke Zarathustra” (1883-1885)
• Simone de Beauvoir: “The Ethics of Ambiguity” (1947)
• Johannes Vermeer**: Baroque period (17th century)

Software: Mandelbulb 3d + Inkscape + Gimp.

Author: Marco Antonio P.R.

Date: 15 Aug. 2018

If you like this and more of my artwork visit my portfolio.

Click the image down to buy a print.