Aphrodite Contemplates Love

This piece is oil on canvas and is part of a series of Modern Day Gods and Goddesses. I use my work to equate the past with the present to see how we can learn from the past so we can move forward without repeating the same mistakes. The pose I used for this piece is inspired by the works of many artists from the past who have depicted Ariadne sleeping. In greek myths, while Ariadne slept, Theseus abandoned her to return to his wife. Upon awakening, Ariadne was swept away by Dyonisus who she married. Both Ariadne and Aphrodite symbolize love, beauty, and passion. I have replaced Ariadne with Aphrodite as she is more in control of her life than the stories of Ariadne would suggest. This is about the power of women to make their own choices and is an invitation to contemplate on the positive aspects of life and putting intention on the direction we want for ourselves; hence the smile.