Orpheus & The Nine Muses

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"