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

"Tongues Tied"

$35.00
Print Or Original?:Limited Edition Print
Quantity:
Only 49 units left

Prints: Limited edition of 50

About The Artwork:

This black and white illustration titled "Tongues Tied" shows two frogs facing each other, with their tongues tied, shaping a labyrinth with a fly in the center. In "Tongues Tied," the symbolism of frogs often represents transformation and renewal, particularly in cultures that emphasize metamorphosis. Due to their life cycle from tadpole to adult, frogs are associated with adaptability, transitions, and rebirth. In some ancient myths, they are linked to fertility and life, while in Eastern traditions, they symbolize luck and abundance. Their presence in this black-and-white illustration speaks to the ongoing process of change and growth.

The labyrinth, a central feature of the tied tongues in this surreal black-and-white art, represents complexity, introspection, and the journey toward self-discovery. Historically, labyrinths have symbolized a spiritual or psychological quest, with roots in Greek mythology, representing challenges that led to enlightenment. The intricate, intertwined nature of the labyrinth suggests that life's paths are not straightforward but filled with twists and turns, guiding one toward greater understanding.

Flies, typically seen as symbols of persistence, can also represent decay, death, and transformation. In some cultures, flies are messengers between realms, often bringing awareness to underlying issues that need attention. In this piece, the fly at the labyrinth's heart may symbolize the elusive nature of our desires or challenges, encouraging viewers to confront what is often uncomfortable or fleeting.

Dice tied around the frogs’ necks evoke the themes of chance, destiny, and the unpredictable nature of life. In many cultures, dice are used to determine fate, embodying both risk and opportunity. The presence of dice in this black-and-white illustration could represent the randomness and uncertainty that often accompany life’s transitions, reminding us of luck and decisions' role in our paths.

Combining these elements, "Tongues Tied" can be interpreted as a meditation on life's unpredictability and the intertwined nature of transformation and fate. The tied tongues forming a labyrinth could suggest that our words, choices, and interactions with others shape the complex paths we navigate. The fly, suspended in the center, might represent a goal or challenge that seems distant yet attainable if one is willing to follow the intricate paths laid before them. The dice further highlight the element of chance, suggesting that life is always unpredictable in how it unfolds even with careful navigation.

This surreal black-and-white art invites the viewer to reflect on how transformation, fate, and persistence shape the labyrinth in the journey of life.

"We are all strangers in a strange land, longing for home, but not quite knowing what or where home is. We glimpse it sometimes in our dreams, or as we turn a corner, and suddenly there is a strange, sweet familiarity that vanishes almost as soon as it comes." – Madeleine L'Engle

What do you see?

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