2025-04-11

BEHIND THE PAINTING; My Celtic Lad: Timeless Identity and Mythical Connection (English version)

Some artworks speak not only to the eye but to a deeper layer of consciousness. My Celtic Lad is one such painting—a powerful interplay of Celtic mysticism, personal identity, and the cyclical nature of transformation.

The work depicts a striking, muscular man, his bare upper body visible beneath a leather motorcycle jacket that gradually fades into a deep green background. His face is largely concealed behind mirrored sunglasses, in which the reflection of the light is visible. This subtle but highly symbolic detail adds an extra layer of meaning:

Reflection as a form of self-image → What one sees in the mirror depends on perspective, just as identity is constantly shaped by interactions, memories, and self-discovery.

Black and white as contrast between fixed and evolving reality → The man appears strong and tangible, but his certainty dissolves within the mirrored surface.

Hidden eyes as a reference to mysticism and introspection → Identity is both a public display and a private struggle—the glasses symbolize both protection and distance.

The luxurious glossy finish with resin/epoxy adds an extra dimension to the painting. This reflective surface not only enhances the interplay of light in the sunglasses of the bearded hunk but also intensifies the richness of colors. The golden edge gleams even more deeply, creating an aura of sophistication and exclusivity.

The composition juxtaposes raw masculinity with symbolic elegance: the leather jacket as a reference to rugged independence, the light reflection as an abstract suggestion of inner transformation. This work is not a traditional portrait but a visual translation of the concept of identity as a dynamic process, rooted in ancient mythical elements.

Ancient Symbols, Modern Interpretation
By incorporating powerful, timeless motifs, My Celtic Lad transcends conventional portraiture. The painting places the individual within a broader cosmic order—a dialogue between the personal and the universal.

The Triquetra – Balance, Connection, and Protection

The Triquetra, a Celtic symbol representing the trinity of nature, life, and spirit, carries a deeper significance in this painting:
-Earth, air, and water – The essential elements forming the foundation of all life, subtly referenced as the interplay between body, surroundings, and energy.
-Life, death, and rebirth – A reminder that identity is never static but continually evolving, just like the cyclical nature of existence itself.
-Body, mind, and soul – An inner balance that defines our presence in the world and connects us with others and ourselves.
The flowing lines of the Triquetra reflect continuity—an acknowledgment that who we are is never a fixed state, but an ongoing experience.

The Ouroboros – Eternal Movement and Growth

The Ouroboros, one of the oldest mythical symbols, reinforces the concept of identity as infinite transformation. The serpent biting its own tail represents:
-The eternal cycle of life – Everything returns and evolves, identity and self-image are not fixed but in constant motion.
-Personal growth and reinterpretation – Just as a serpent sheds its old skin, every individual undergoes a process of change, reflection, and acceptance.
-A connection between past and future – Identity is never a snapshot but a mosaic of memories, culture, perception, and aspirations.
The symbol emphasizes that the individual is not merely a static being but a link in a larger whole—a cyclical interaction between personal history and social influence.

The Celtic Knot – Interwoven Identity and Community

The Celtic knot, forming a pattern without beginning or end, illustrates how identity is an ongoing interplay between past, present, and future. In My Celtic Lad, it gains extra depth through the addition of subtly embedded golden Celtic symbols woven into the light green pattern:
-Symbols of prosperity and wealth → In Celtic traditions, gold was associated with divine favor, material abundance, and spiritual enlightenment.
-Protection and energy → The integration of these symbols makes the knot pattern not just a visual element but an active force radiating strength.
-Identity as an interplay of influences → The fusion of light green and gold reflects the blending of ancient wisdom and modern interpretation—a subtle recognition of the layered complexity of the individual.
This pattern embodies not only the inner search for authenticity but also the importance of communal connection and the strength of shared identity.

The Colors: A Palette of Transformation and Connection

Just as the mythical elements of the work convey the idea of timeless evolution, the colors further emphasize these themes:
Black and White – Reflection and Contrasts
-The contrasts within the portrait create a visual tension between light and shadow, permanence and change:
-Black represents the unknown, mysticism, and inner strength—a color of introspection and control.
-White stands for clarity, revelation, and self-awareness—a tone that accentuates the evolution of identity.
Together, they create a striking visual contrast: a black-and-white figure, wearing reflective glasses that heighten the interplay between reality and perception.

Deep Green – Spirituality and Growth
The background, fading into deep green hues, holds layered meanings:
-A connection to nature – Green symbolizes growth, stability, and balance.
-Serenity and introspection – A color that invites contemplation.
-Self-discovery and renewal – Just as nature is constantly evolving, so too does identity.

Gold – Protection and Elevation
The gold foil edge, a vertical strip on the right side, serves as a visually striking element:
-A transition between the earthly and the spiritual – A boundary inviting interpretation, akin to the theme of transformation within the artwork.
-Luxury and power – A golden accent lending the painting a transcendent, almost spiritual dimension.
-A symbol of divine protection – A timeless element radiating energy and positivity.

Conclusion: My Celtic Lad as a Contemporary Myth
My Celtic Lad is not a static work, nor traditional portraiture—it is an exploration of identity as a continuous process of evolution and reinterpretation. The figure within the painting is powerful, but his mirrored sunglasses both conceal and reveal—a subtle reminder of the layered nature of self-perception.

Through the fusion of Celtic mysticism, personal transformation, and modern interpretation, this piece transcends traditional artistic forms. It invites introspection—how do we see ourselves, how are we seen, and how does our understanding of identity shift through time and experience?

This is not a snapshot but a timeless interplay between established truth and ongoing evolution.

View the painting in detail and discover my interpretation of sensuality, symbolism and play of light. Feel free to leave a message.