“Astraea” is a painting in a series created in 2021. Each painting started with a scaled sketch of a model that was redrawn to simplify the features and flatten the image. The image was then transferred to a number of recycled paper bags using an overheard projector. Each stencil was cut out by hand and spray painted. The eyes and lips required several stencil to build the line and shape, and additional stencils were used to build up color and depth. The areas of light and dark were built up after the initial facial features were painted. Each stencil created an asymmetrical line due to over spray given the piece a unique geometric piece.
The painting is large size format, 24” wide by 30” tall, on Strathmore 500 Series Drawing Paper 106lb (125gsm), made from acid-free 100% cotton. The artwork can be shipped easily rolled up and unboxed let to unroll a couple of days before being framed or mounted.
Astraea is the Greek virgin goddess of justice, innocence, purity and precision. She is the celestial virgin and the last of the immortals to live with humans during the Golden Age. The nearby constellation Libra reflected her symbolic association with Nike, who in Latin culture as Justitia is said to preside over the constellation. In the Tarot, the 8th card, Justice, with a figure of Justitia, can thus be considered related to the figure of Astraea on historical iconographic grounds. According to myth, Astraea will one day come back to Earth, bringing with her the return of the Utopian Golden Age of which she was the ambassador.
Specs
Title: Astraea
Size: 24 X 30 inches
Title: Astraea
Size: 24 X 30 inches