Papaki
This oil on canvas painting explores memory, belonging, and the passage of time through an intimate and detailed composition. A vibrant Persian rug forms the centerpiece, with a small, worn toy duck evoking childhood nostalgia. In the background, the partially visible legs of a grandmother and aunt subtly hint at their presence, creating a contrast between the playful duck and the quiet, nostalgic figures of the older generation. This interplay between past and present, childhood and adulthood, invites reflection on the concept of "return".
The work engages with themes of identity and emotional connection, as the toy duck - symbolizing innocence and nostalgia - interacts with the figures of family members, evoking both a sense of rootedness and displacement. It prompts the viewer to reflect on their relationship with home, family, and the ever-evolving self.
