Thus spoke Zarathustra

(40x50 cm acrylic on canvas)

Inspired by Friedrich Nietzsches most profound book of the same title, this painting pays homage to the philosophy espoused by Nietzsches prophet Zarathustra.

The snake coiled around the sun is the prophets symbol. This paradoxical image reflects the nature of what human beings are like and should aspire to be. On the one hand, we are blessed with divine capacities for the highest values such as rationality, justice and beauty. Symbolised by the sun.

On the other hand, we cannot deny our base animal nature. One need only look at history to see that humans are unfortunately capable of great evil too. Symbolised by the snake, which is archetypically associated not just with evil but also wisdom. For knowledge of evil (and especially ones own evil) is the beginning of wisdom.

Only by reconciling our capacity for the highest good and the lowest evil, can we become a complete and integrated person.  To become whole (or holy) in Nietzsches philosophy, requires us to accept our paradoxical nature.