Aoibhe • 16 • Cork
16-18 Category • 2024This painting depicts Icarus during his slow descent as he faces the consequences of an over-abundant imagination. I believe this tale is misunderstood. Many people picture a young boy, tragically hurtling towards an unforgiving sea. However, in my mind, Icarus laughed as he fell, savouring the sweet warmth of the forbidden sun. Often forgotten is that before he fell, Icarus flew. This painting is acrylic on canvas. The wings and sun were both created by hand sewing individual beads into the canvas. The time-consuming process of beading represents the hard work of Icarus’ father, Daedalus, who meticulously crafted the wings to escape. The famous myth warns against the perilous fate of ambition. However, a point often overlooked is this: is death as a result of ambition worse than laying down and waiting for the jaws of the minotaur?
