The work 'Susana' is one of the three works from 'al-kīmiyā' series.
Alchemy is defined as “A medieval chemical science and speculative philosophy aiming to achieve the transmutation of the base metals into gold, the discovery of a universal cure for disease, and the discovery of a means of indefinitely prolonging life.” In Alchemy - 'the process of transmutation by which to fuse or reunite with the divine or original form' - the transformation of the Matter is entwined with its spiritual transformation. Swinging between powerful positions to accusation of witchcraft at times, women gave a great contribution to alchemy, in different historical periods, when social and religious conditions allowed it.
This contribution is one of the most refined manifestations expressed by women in the field of scientific knowledge, placing at the center of the female cultural path the skills of manipulation and transformation of raw materials, combined with an innate sensitivity towards the sphere of health. The metals were believed to have a spiritual connection, and every metal carried a special significance. The alchemists believed that each element had a physical representation and also a philosophical meaning.
Silver is a real metal and is connected to the Moon. It is one of the most versatile metals, one of the 3 base metals in Alchemy. It is associated with philosophical traits of intuition, self-reflection, and inner wisdom. It is a feminine metal, a symbol of purity and is connected to the goddesses and spirits. Its energies include divination, healing, protection, emotion, love, wisdom, dreams, luck and wealth. It is symbolic of attributes such as vision, clarity, awareness, focus, persistence and subtle strength.
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100 x 100 cm
oil and silver leaves on canvas
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