ARTWORK NARRATIVE:

The painting is centered on the theme of liberation, depicting the struggle to escape from fears or torment, symbolized by skulls and red, Tartarus-like elements at the base. The figure is partially transformed into rock, with only small portions of flesh or an eye exposed, suggesting emergence rather than complete escape. A ghostly skull in the background signifies the persistence of fear, emphasizing the impossibility of full liberation. This concept is reflected in the title, which implies a doomed or star-crossed attempt at escape.

The composition is structured within an unusual triangular format, reinforcing the sense of upward movement while subtly incorporating an inverted pentacle. Hidden pentagonal forms recur throughout the work, referencing hell and infernal imagery in a restrained manner.

The painting underwent multiple phases of development, including a later reworking of the figure’s face and a custom-designed frame. The frame was precisely calculated using bespoke software to accommodate the unique angles and proportions of the triangular or quadrilateral shape.