"Core" : Original Artwork by Karien Bredenkamp
"Core" : Mat Boards that Original and Limited Edition Prints get shipped in

"Core"

$35.00
Print Or Original?:Limited Edition Print
Quantity:
Only 9 units left

Prints: Limited edition of 10

About The Artwork:

"Core" is a piece of black and white art that explores vulnerability, transformation, and the search for inner truth. At the center of the composition is a sliced-open apple, revealing its inner structure and seeds. A biopsy needle enters from above, while a delicate dragonfly makes contact with the core from below. On either side, acupuncture needles punctuate the space, adding a sense of balance and intentional disruption. This whimsical black and white art piece invites reflection on what lies beneath the surface, and the courage it takes to examine the heart of things.

The apple is a powerful and layered symbol, often associated with knowledge, temptation, and the essence of life. In biblical tradition, it represents the fruit from the Tree of Knowledge, a gateway to self-awareness and consequence. In mythology and folklore, apples are symbols of fertility, immortality, and inner beauty—what appears ordinary on the outside often holds something magical within. In "Core," the apple is sliced open, exposing its center and inviting a deeper look into what we usually keep hidden. It becomes a metaphor for the soul, memory, or personal truth—something simultaneously nourishing and sacred.

Needles, whether used in medical procedures or acupuncture, carry strong associations with precision, healing, and discomfort. A biopsy needle suggests a search for clarity—piercing into the unknown to reveal what is hidden or unresolved. Acupuncture needles, by contrast, speak of restoration, balance, and the ancient practice of guiding energy within the body. Their presence in "Core" evokes a duality: intrusion and healing, analysis and alignment. Together, they suggest the necessary sharpness required to uncover deeper truths and the care needed to process them.

The dragonfly is a symbol of transformation, lightness, and emotional depth. In many cultures, it represents change, adaptability, and the ability to see beyond illusion. Japanese tradition views the dragonfly as a symbol of courage and victory, while Native American cultures associate it with renewal and the shifting winds of time. Dragonflies also live briefly in their adult form, reminding us of the fleeting nature of life and the importance of living authentically. In "Core," the dragonfly's gentle contact with the center of the apple suggests a moment of insight or spiritual connection—touching the truth without harming it.

Together, these elements create a narrative of introspection and transformation. The apple represents the self—whole and nourishing, yet filled with mysteries at its center. The biopsy needle confronts us with the uncomfortable process of uncovering hidden truths, while the acupuncture needles speak of healing through deliberate, mindful action. The dragonfly offers a softer approach—change through grace, not force.

In "Core," the convergence of these symbols invites the viewer to reflect on what it means to know oneself deeply, to examine the inner world with both precision and gentleness. This black and white art piece serves as a quiet but powerful reminder that reaching the core of who we are may require discomfort, but also offers the potential for profound clarity and transformation.

"I am too intelligent, too demanding, and too resourceful for anyone to be able to take charge of me entirely. No one knows me or loves me completely. I have only myself" ― Simone de Beauvoir

What do you see?

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