The painting Where Borders End peels away the illusions that our outer appearances create, revealing our similarity. Despite our different backgrounds, gender, socioeconomic status, heritage, color, language, and lived experience, we all have an inner-being, which we may call “soul,” “spirit,” or “essence.” It is that essence of ourselves which is most relevant once we see beyond the illusions of superiority, judgement, and borders. MEANING Where Borders End shows the essence of a person, traveling in a cycle parallel to the conscious experience of the person. The stations of the cycle are: Transformation, Development, Force of Will, and Creation. 1) Transformation through introspection in the “underworld” by exploring the subconscious root of thoughts and opinions. Physically: resting or replenishing the body. 2) Development through communication and life experience. Physically: the body gains strength. 3) Force of Will by taking action and pushing the limits of what seems possible. Physically: acting on decisions. 4) Creation by shedding skins of the past (healing) and breaking old patterns to create new possibilities. Physically: creating anything, teaching, or practicing arts. INSPIRATION
The concepts for this piece were inspired by Mexika (Aztec) teachings which have been passed on mainly through oral tradition. This is my interpretation of what I have learned about the symbolic meaning of the four directions and all that is associated with them. The blue color of the figure serves to detach it from typical human skin colors. Also, turquoise blue in Mexika culture, is the color of harmony and truth. ICONOGRAPHY The image of the spirit of life in the center of the piece, as well as the owl representing the ancestors, are both borrowed from the amoxtli (codex) “Fejérváry-Mayer”. The steps of the teokalli on the left and right as well as the crocodile heads are modified from images in the amoxtli “Borgia.” The colors of the outer edge of the painting are associated with the four cardinal directions when the painting is positioned over the viewers head so the black edge faces north. CONNECTION TO PREVIOUS PAINTINGS The figure of the blue “essence” is based on the figures in my painting Reclaiming Autonomy. In my piece Children Manifesting Destiny, the children are a similar blue and the blue tree makes its first appearance. See more work from the series Dolor, muerte y mariposas. HOW TO SUPPORT MY ART To purchase this painting, please e-mail me or PayPal Me. View the Price List here. Purchase an Art Collector Subscription (for yourself or as a gift.)
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Elizabeth Jiménez Montelongo
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