"After Midnight"
Prints: Limited edition of 25
About The Artwork:
Take a look at the surrealism of "After Midnight," a black-and-white illustration featuring a four-headed ostrich emerging from an upside-down parade mask.
In the eyes of ancient Egyptians, ostriches signified justice and truth. African cultures attribute speed and power to these birds because they are some of the quickest creatures on land. Not only that but their strength and resilience also contribute to them being a symbol of independence and freedom across various civilizations. Ancient Egyptian judges even used ostrich feathers as symbols of integrity in court! Ostriches are solitary birds known for their independent spirit, making them a symbol of freedom and individuality.
Masks hold a rich symbolic meaning that varies based on cultural context and purpose. In African cultures, masks are used in tribal dances and rituals and represent ancestors and deities. In Native American cultures, masks are used in healing ceremonies and symbolize protection and transformation. In Western cultures, masks are associated with disguise and deception and are commonly used in theater and carnivals. Regardless of cultural differences, masks are potent symbols of transformation, protection, and the connection between the spiritual and physical worlds.
The use of a mask and a four-headed ostrich can be seen as a representation of duality, with the mask representing concealment and the ostrich expressing truth. This duality could suggest that the artwork explores themes of truth and illusion and the idea of what lies beneath the surface.
“Do I love you because you're beautiful, or are you beautiful because I love you? Am I making believe I see in you, a woman too perfect to be really true? Do I want you because you're wonderful, or are you wonderful because I want you? Are you the sweet invention of a lover's dream, or are you really as beautiful as you seem?”
― Oscar Hammerstein II
Illustration Size:
5 x 7 inches (portrait)
7 x 5 inches (landscape)
Mat Board Size:
- Original Artwork: Mat board will fit an 11 x 14 inch frame.
- Limited Edition Print: Mat board will fit an 8 x 10 inch frame.
- Both limited edition prints & original artwork are protected by a double layered, high quality, acid-free Crescent® brand mat board (4-ply, approximately .050 inch thick, with a beveled cut window opening). The mat board has a white top layer with a visible black layer underneath. For added protection artwork gets shipped with a standard white backing board, enclosed in a clear protective bag. Frame shown in product images not included.
Medium:
- Original Artwork: Pigment archival ink on cold press acid free 300gsm paper.
- Limited Edition Print: Superior quality digital print on 100% fine art cotton, acid free paper.
Authenticity:
- Original Artwork: Signed, dated & certificate of authenticity included.
- Limited Edition Print: Signed, dated, edition number & certificate of authenticity included.
All Policies: