In this series, I am exploring the concept of inspiration, practice, and its rooted lore in Greek mythology. The Nine Muses are the embodiment of inspiration and the arts in Greek mythology, each one a master of their respective discipline:
Calliope: Muse of Epic Poetry “The One with a Beautiful Voice”
Euterpe: Muse of Lyrical Poetry “She Who Pleases”
Terpsichore: Muse of Dance “The One Delighting in Dance”
Clio: Muse of History “The Proclaimer”
Polyhymnia: Muse of Hymns & Sacred Poetry “She of The Many Hymns”
Urania: Muse of Astronomy “The Heavenly One”
Thalia: Muse of Comedy “The Cheerful One”
Melpomene: Muse of Tragedy “He Who Sings”
Erato: Muse of Erotic Poetry “The Lovely One”
These nine Muses are organized into three subjects of three Muses each: Literature, Science, and the Arts. These panels orbit the central focal point: a self-portrait masqueraded as Orpheus, the son of Calliope, who became a patron for the arts, an inspiration for the Muses to teach and continue their creativeness and guidance... a harbinger for the arts.
After research and study, these momentary impressions of the Muses and their affluence were recorded in my sketchbook for further analysis and reflection. I orchestrated my own photoshoots of my subjects to better understand the relationship between their body and the colorful shadows that are cast from the light scheme that I designed. The interrelationship between the tinted shadows and the human body allows for my artistry to imaginatively create a composition through abstracting and inverting shapes to create a divine, virtuous, and urban aesthetic.
I am caught in a momentary depersonalized appreciation for my journey in life and applaud my continuous efforts and challenges I undertake and accomplish. Orpheus and the Nine Muses pays homage to my steadfast commitment and integrity for betterment, growth, and development as an artist and human being.
Dani Papa
"Orpheus & The Nine Muses" Series: center focal piece:
"Orpheus & The Nine Muses: Orpheus: The Allegory of Inspiration & Practice"
Graphite, India Ink, Liquid Gold, Liquid Silver, Acrylic Paint on Birch Panel
48" x 36"
2022
Each of "The Nine Muses" are of the same size and materials:
Graphite, Latex Paint, India Ink, Acrylic Paint Marker, Acrylic Paint on Birch Panel
16" x 12"
2022
"Orpheus & The Nine Muses" Series: top grouping, clockwise:
"Orpheus & The Nine Muses: The One with a Beautiful Voice – Muse of Epic Poetry & Elegance"
"Orpheus & The Nine Muses: He Who Sings – Muse of Tragedy"
"Orpheus & The Nine Muses: She of the Many Hymns – Muse of Agriculture & Sacred
"Orpheus & The Nine Muses" Series: left grouping, clockwise:
"Orpheus & The Nine Muses: The One Delighting in Dance – Muse of Dance"
"Orpheus & The Nine Muses: The Proclaimer – Muse of History"
"Orpheus & The Nine Muses: The Heavenly One – Muse of Astronomy"
"Orpheus & The Nine Muses" Series: right grouping, clockwise:
"Orpheus & The Nine Muses: The Lovely One – Muse of Erotic Poetry"
"Orpheus & The Nine Muses: She Who Pleases – Muse of Lyrical Poetry & Flute-Playing"
"Orpheus & The Nine Muses: The Cheerful One – Muse of Comedy"