Artist: Janiece Murray
Title: Fire and Water
Medium: Original handmade watercolors and gold on paper
Size: 1 diptych with two 24x18 in. pieces
Artist Statement:
This piece was created with the end of the Magic Flute in mind, Pamina and Tamino having faced challenges and trials separately, now together pass through the final two trials of fire and water or flood. While fictional, Pamina trusts in what she knows to be true and divinity, even at the risk of her life and against the desires of her family. Women aspiring to sovereignty may not endure literal trials of fire and water as Pamina does but may encounter representations of fire and water on her path and may endure situations that feel quite like passing through fire or a flood. This diptych is painted with handmade watercolors on handmade paper from India, gilded with golden pathways.