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Delphic, 2016

The painting refers to the Oracle of Delphi, the most important shrine in ancient Greece. Black, gold and red colours are a reflection of the history which was shrouded in mystery. It is known that the temple was built upon a chasm from which vapors rose. Pythia, the high priestess of the temple, channeled prophecies from Apollo which answered questions about colonization, religion and power. Before Pythia could be questioned she went through a ritual process. Pythia would wear gold clothes (gold colour on a painting), chew bay leaves and drink from the sacred spring while sitting on a tripodover the chasm(illustrated by black). Chasmic vapors would create a trance that readied her to speak the words of Apollo (red abstract signs).The traditional picture of the Delphic Oracle is in an altered state, muttering words inspired by the god which male priests transcribed.