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

"Self Righteous"

$35.00
Print Or Original?:Limited Edition Print
Quantity:
Only 24 units left

Prints: Limited edition of 25

About The Artwork:

"Self Righteous" is a thought-provoking piece of black and white art that explores the delicate balance of justice, truth, and duality. At its center, a sword of justice stands tall, with scales hanging on both sides. Each scale holds an equal pile of beads—one side with black beads surrounding a single white bead, and the other with white beads encircling a black bead, evoking the yin-yang principle. Above, a cloud releases a rain of black and white beads, while ferns grow below, framing the composition. This whimsical black and white art piece invites contemplation on fairness, perspective, and the interconnected nature of opposing forces.

The sword represents truth, justice, and authority. Throughout history, it has symbolized both the power to enforce law and the responsibility of wielding such power with wisdom. In mythology and religious texts, divine figures often carry swords as instruments of truth, cutting through illusion and deception. The sword in "Self Righteous" stands as an unwavering force, a reminder that justice is not just about punishment but also discernment—the ability to strike at falsehood while upholding fairness.

The scales of justice are an ancient symbol of balance and impartiality, often associated with the Greek goddess Themis and the Roman Justitia. They embody the principle that justice should be measured without bias, ensuring that all perspectives are weighed equally. In this piece, the precise arrangement of beads in each scale suggests harmony in opposites, reinforcing the idea that justice is not about absolutes but about the equilibrium of different truths. The presence of both black and white elements in each pile highlights the complexity of morality—nothing is entirely pure, and within every perspective lies a trace of its opposite.

The yin-yang concept is deeply woven into this piece, symbolizing duality, interconnectedness, and the fluidity between opposing forces. In Taoist philosophy, yin and yang are not in conflict but rather in constant motion, each containing a seed of the other. The presence of a white bead in the black pile and a black bead in the white pile reflects this principle, reminding us that no ideology, judgment, or truth is entirely one-sided. Justice, like life itself, requires the acceptance of nuance rather than rigid division.

The cloud above the sword carries a sense of impermanence and unseen influence. In many cultures, clouds symbolize fate, divine will, or the shifting nature of human understanding. The black and white beads raining down suggest that judgment and morality are not fixed but ever-changing, influenced by external forces beyond our control. Whether this rain nourishes or burdens the scales depends on one’s perspective—does it cleanse, or does it overwhelm?

Ferns, growing beneath the scales, add a grounding element to the composition. These ancient plants symbolize resilience, growth, and renewal. In folklore, ferns are associated with hidden knowledge and the idea that wisdom is revealed only to those who seek it. Their presence suggests that true justice is not rigid but alive, capable of adapting and evolving with time. They remind us that fairness is not only about balance in the moment but also about the ability to foster growth and understanding.

When these elements come together, "Self Righteous" becomes an exploration of how justice is perceived, interpreted, and enacted. The sword stands as an arbiter of truth, while the scales remind us that balance is often found in recognizing the presence of duality. The yin-yang principle embedded in the beads suggests that morality is not absolute, and the cloud above signifies the ever-present forces shaping judgment. The ferns below hint at the organic nature of fairness—growing, shifting, and requiring deep wisdom to sustain. This black and white art piece challenges the viewer to reflect on their own sense of justice, urging them to look beyond rigid righteousness and embrace the complexities of truth.

"Immorality is the word we use to describe people that are not sinning the same way we are." ― Shannon L. Alder

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