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Senses – Mythology Series
This is another part of the Senses Project. The Mythology Series reflects on global mythologies, legends and folklore. The usage of the primary and secondary colours is linked to the stories the individual pieces are related to. These images are 30×30 cm canvas on board painted in primary and secondary colours. The motif is ton-sur-ton and depicts an abstraction a reference or feeling connected to the subject. The sense is 3D printed in white PLA and mounted on the canvas.
The works let the viewer experience stories that have a different cultural origins with similar meanings. Or stories that use the same metaphors but have different meanings.
This is a series of 36 unique objects.
Red
The Red Bird – Hear&Listen
- In Japanese mythology, a red-crowned crane often appears in Japanese stories as a symbol of loyalty and sacrifice, including the famous folktale of a crane that repays a debt with her own feathers.
- In Hawaiian mythology, the red bird (often depicted as a red ‘i‘iwi or scarlet honeycreeper) is sacred and symbolises the spirit of the gods. Red in this case represents divine energy, creation, and the connection between the earth and the spiritual realm. The bird’s red feathers are believed to carry messages from the gods.
- In some Native American traditions, the red crow is seen as a messenger of knowledge and transformation. The red feathers of the crow symbolise vitality and power, and its role as a guide to spiritual growth and understanding of the natural world. The crow’s connection to red reflects its link to deep wisdom and the awakening of the spirit.
The Red Horse – Learn&Know
- The Red Horse of the Apocalypse In the Book of Revelation, the red horse is one of the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse. It represents war and bloodshed, symbolising the destruction and chaos brought upon the earth. The color red reflects the intensity and violence of its mission.
- The Red Horses of Raud the Strong In Norse sagas, Raud the Strong, a powerful Viking chieftain and sorcerer, was said to own red horses that he sacrificed during rituals to the gods. These red horses were tied to blood offerings, violence, and invoking divine power for destructive purposes.
- In Native American culture, the red horse symbolises power, war, and bloodshed. The Plains Indians believed that the red horse brought courage, strength, and endurance to warriors in battle. The horse was also seen as a spiritual guide, leading the tribe to a better life.
The Red Dragon – Look&See
- In Welsh mythology, the red dragon (Y Ddraig Goch) is a powerful symbol of strength, victory, and national identity. The dragon represents the forces of good, and its red color signifies passion, power, and determination. It is famously featured in the prophecy of Merlin, where the red dragon defeats the white dragon, symbolising the triumph of the Welsh people.
- In Norse mythology, Fafnir was a dwarf who transformed into a dragon after greed consumed him. Fafnir is often depicted with fiery red scales, symbolising his lust for gold and the destructive power of greed. His dragon form represents both physical strength and the dangerous nature of avarice, while the red color underscores the fiery, intense nature of his curse.
- In Chinese mythology, the red dragon is a symbol of power, authority, and good fortune. It is often associated with the Emperor, who was considered to be the earthly manifestation of the dragon. The red dragon’s color symbolises prosperity, strength, and the connection between the heavens and the earth, with red also representing good luck and celebration.
The Red Flower – Smell&Scent
- The roses of Aphrodite. According to legend, the goddess of love, Aphrodite, created the red rose when her blood spilled onto white roses while rushing to save her lover, Adonis, symbolising love and sacrifice.
- In Buddhist mythology, the red lotus symbolises love, compassion, and wisdom. It is often associated with the deity Avalokiteshvara (the Bodhisattva of compassion). The red color of the lotus represents the warmth and depth of compassion that transcends suffering and brings enlightenment to the world.
- In Persian folklore, a prince and princess, forbidden to be together, died for love. Where they fell, a red lily bloomed, symbolising their eternal love and sorrow. The flower was believed to heal broken hearts.
The Red Hand – Taste&Savour
- The Red Hand of Ulster, This tale tells of a chieftain who cut off his hand and threw it ashore to claim the land of Ulster, with the red hand becoming a symbol of courage and determination.
- In medieval European folklore, the Scarlet King is a tyrannical ruler with a red, blood-stained hand. This red hand is often said to be the mark of a curse or the embodiment of his power over life and death. The king’s red hand represents violence, guilt, and the bloodshed he causes in his conquest for power
- In one of Heracles’ labours, he kills the many-headed hydra. As he defeats the hydra, the blood from the creature, described as a venomous red, stains Heracles’ hands, symbolising both the horror of his task and his divine strength. The red on his hands represents both the physical labor of the task and the bloodshed involved in achieving great feats.
The Red String – Touch&Feel
- In Chinese and Japanese folklore, a The Red String of Fate connects people destined to meet, symbolising fate, love, and unbreakable bonds.
- In many folk traditions, particularly in Eastern Europe and the Middle East, a red ribbon is tied around a person’s wrist, baby’s crib, or even animals to protect them from the evil eye or bad luck. This belief is tied to the power of the color red to ward off negative forces.
- In Kabbalistic tradition, a red string (often a ribbon) is tied around the wrist for protection and spiritual blessing. The string is said to ward off evil and is associated with Rachel, a matriarch who represents compassion and protection.
- In Hinduism, the red string bracelet is known as “Kautuka” (कौतुक) or “Kalava” (कलव). It is a ritual thread worn on the wrist, typically by men on the right wrist and women on the left wrist. The thread is believed to offer protection, good luck, and spiritual connection.
Orange
The Orange Tree – Hear&Listen
- In Greek mythology, the orange tree is linked to the goddess Hesperides, whose garden contains trees bearing golden apples (often depicted as orange). The fruit is a symbol of eternal life, abundance, and the rewards of heroic deeds.
- In Andalusian folklore, orange trees are associated with love and fidelity. A legend tells of a Moorish prince who planted orange trees for his beloved, with the fruit symbolising the sweetness and vibrancy of their love. The orange fruit became a symbol of romance and enduring affection.
The Orange Flame – Learn&Know
- Brigid, the Celtic goddess of poetry, healing, and fire, is closely associated with sacred flames. The eternal orange flames of Brigid represent purification, inspiration, and the warmth of the hearth. This fire was tended continuously by her priestesses in Kildare, Ireland.
- Prometheus steals fire from the gods and gives it to humanity, depicted as vibrant orange flames. The fire symbolises knowledge, progress, and the spark of civilisation. The orange flames are also a reminder of Prometheus’ sacrifice and the divine nature of fire.
The Orange Lava – Look&See
- Pele, the Hawaiian goddess of fire and volcanoes, is said to create the islands of Hawaii through her fiery eruptions. The molten orange lava and flames are manifestations of her power and creative energy, symbolising destruction and rebirth.
- The Forge of Hephaestus, the god of fire and blacksmithing works in volcanic forges beneath the earth, such as Mount Etna. The molten lava symbolises his craft and creativity. Eruptions were thought to be caused by his intense labor in the forge.
The Orange Phoenix – Smell&Scent
- The mythical phoenix, found in myths from Greek, Egyptian, and Chinese cultures, is reborn from its ashes surrounded by fiery orange and gold flames. The orange hues of the phoenix’s flames symbolise transformation, renewal, and the cycle of life and death.
- The Firebird is a mythical creature from Slavic folklore, often depicted with radiant orange and gold feathers. Its fiery orange glow represents light, hope, and the pursuit of a transformative quest, as its capture often leads to trials and rewards.
The Orange Flower – Taste&Savour
- In Hinduism and Buddhism, the orange lotus symbolises spiritual growth, enlightenment, and the attainment of inner peace. It is considered a sacred flower representing the awakening of the soul.
- Xochiquetzal, the Aztec goddess of love, beauty, and fertility, is associated with vibrant flowers, including marigolds. The bright orange marigolds symbolise the sun, life, and the beauty of nature. Marigolds are still used in Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) celebrations, connecting them to themes of remembrance and the cycle of life.
- The saffron crocus, with its orange stigmas, is linked to the myth of Persephone. According to legend, these flowers bloomed in the fields where Hades abducted her. The vibrant orange of the saffron symbolises vitality, fertility, and the transition between seasons.
- The flame lily, with its striking orange and red hues, is revered in various African myths as a symbol of beauty, protection, and vitality. In some stories, the flower is believed to have sprung from the blood of a heroic ancestor or a sacred spirit.
The Orange Stone – Touch&Feel
- In Native American legends, an orange stone is believed to hold mystical powers. Often referred to as the “stone of the sun,” it is thought to bring warmth, healing, and energy to those who possess it. The color orange is linked with the sun and its life-giving properties.
- Bright Orange garnets in Arabic folklore were called “carbuncle stones” and were believed to be fragments of the sun that fell to the earth. These stones were said to protect travellers from the dangers of the desert and symbolise resilience and hope.
- in ancient Egypt the Carnelian stone, a bright orange or reddish, was highly valued. It was believed to provide protection and vitality in the afterlife. Carnelian was associated with the goddess Isis, who used its energy to guide souls safely through the underworld.
Yellow
The Yellow Tiger – Hear&Listen
- In certain Eastern myths, the yellow tiger is a powerful symbol of strength, courage, and protection. The tiger’s yellow or golden fur is seen as embodying the earth’s energy, as well as the sun’s influence, and is often depicted as a guardian of the natural world, bringing balance and order.
The Yellow Princess – Learn&Know
- In Arabian folklore, the Yellow Princess is a mythical figure who is said to bring prosperity and wealth to the land. Her yellow garments are believed to have healing powers, and she is often depicted as a goddess or protector associated with light and good fortune.
- In Native American cultures the Yellow Woman is a significant figure in mythology. She is often seen as a symbol of the connection between the everyday world and the mythic or ceremonial world.
The Yellow Sun – Look&See
- In many cultures, yellow represents the sun, the life-giver. In some myths, sun gods are depicted with yellow or golden attributes. For example, in Egyptian mythology, Ra, the sun god, is often associated with the color yellow, symbolising light, creation, and the divine.
- In Mayan mythology, the warriors of the sun are often described as wearing golden or yellow armor. Yellow, in this context, symbolises the sun’s power and the warriors’ strength. They are tasked with guarding the sun and ensuring its passage through the sky, thus representing the forces of light, life, and renewal.
The Yellow Flower – Smell&Scent
- The yellow chrysanthemum is a flower of significant importance in Japanese culture and is often connected to the themes of nobility and immortality. In one myth, a yellow chrysanthemum is said to bloom in honour of a noble family’s legacy, symbolising enduring love and respect.
- The golden lotus in various Eastern myths symbolises spiritual enlightenment, purity, and the manifestation of divine light. Yellow, as a radiant and uplifting color, is used to signify the transcendent qualities of the lotus, representing the path to wisdom, inner peace, and liberation from suffering.
The Yellow Bird – Taste&Savour
- In Hawaiian mythology, the yellow bird of paradise is a symbol of divine beauty and freedom. The bird is associated with the goddess Hina, representing the spiritual connection between the earthly and divine realms.
- In Chinese culture, yellow birds are often seen as symbols of good fortune and happiness. The bright yellow color represents prosperity and the sun, and these birds are thought to bring blessings of wealth and joy to the family.
- The golden eagle, often depicted with yellow-golden feathers, is a revered bird in Native American cultures. It symbolises strength, vision, and freedom. The yellow in its feathers connects the bird to the sun and spiritual power, making it a messenger between the earth and the divine.
The Yellow Flame – Touch&Feel
- In many global creation myths, the yellow flame or light is often associated with the spark of life or the first moments of creation. The color yellow here represents the divine force or energy that ignites the universe, bringing light and order from chaos. This theme is present in various cultures, where yellow symbolises the primordial life force.
Green
The Green Woman – Hear&Listen
- In European folklore, Absinthe was associated with a mysterious and intoxicating figure called the Green Fairy. It was said that drinking absinthe could lead to visions and hallucinations, and the Green Fairy represented an otherworldly, magical influence.
- In various cultures, the Green Goddess is a representation of fertility, abundance, and the Earth’s nurturing power. The green color symbolises the vitality and fertility of the land, and the goddess is often depicted in connection with the harvest and the renewal of life in nature.
- The Tibetan Green Tara, a compassionate and protective deity in Buddhism, is associated with the color green, symbolising energy, action, and the ability to overcome obstacles. Her green hue reflects her connection to nature and the nurturing aspects of life.
The Green Birds – Learn&Know
- In Indonesian and Papuan myths, the Birds of Paradise, adorned with green feathers, are seen as divine messengers. Green in their plumage represents the lush rainforest, life, and the connection to the spiritual realm.
- In Native American cultures of the Pacific Northwest, the green bird is thought to represent the soul or spirit of a person. It is believed that when a person dies, their spirit transforms into a green bird, symbolising the soul’s journey into the afterlife.
- In South American Amazonian folklore the green parrot is considered a messenger between the physical and spiritual realms. Parrots are often seen as spirits of nature, bringing guidance and wisdom. Their vibrant green feathers are believed to depict the lush, life-giving qualities of the rainforest, and their ability to mimic sounds is seen as a connection to the voices of the gods and ancestors.
The Green Butterfly – Look&See
- In Japanese folklore, the green butterfly is often seen as a messenger from the spirit world. It is believed that the appearance of a green butterfly signifies an omen of good fortune or the arrival of spiritual wisdom. Green in this context represents harmony with nature and the spiritual realm.
The Green Man – Smell&Scent
- The Green Man is a figure found in Celtic and European folklore, often depicted as a face made of leaves and branches. He symbolises nature, growth, renewal, and the cyclical seasons, representing the life force of plants and the Earth.
- In Mediterranean cultures, the Green Man is often connected with the goddess of fertility and agriculture. This version of the Green Man is linked to the cycle of planting and harvesting. During the spring and summer months, the Green Man flourishes as the earth becomes fertile, and crops begin to grow.
The Green Dragon – Taste&Savour
- In Chinese culture, the green dragon symbolises life, spring, and vitality. Dragons in Chinese mythology are powerful symbols of good fortune and are often associated with water, rain, and agricultural fertility, which are essential for life and growth
- In Slavic folklore, there is a dragon associated with the Green Mountain, a mythical place that represents fertility and abundance. The green dragon is said to be a guardian of this sacred mountain, ensuring that the natural resources and bounty of the land are protected. The green dragon here represents nature’s power, guarding life and ensuring that the earth’s cycles of growth and harvest continue.
- In Celtic legends, a green dragon appears as a guardian of sacred lands or treasure. The green color in these stories often represents nature, fertility, and the ancient powers of the earth.
The Green Tree – Touch&Feel
- Yggdrasil, the immense tree connecting the nine realms, is depicted as eternally green. Its verdant branches symbolise life, growth, and the interconnectedness of all existence in Norse cosmology.
- In Japanese mythology, the green willow tree is associated with fertility and the divine. The green willow is a symbol of growth, renewal, and the cyclical nature of life.
- Across various cultures, there exists a version of the “Tree of Life,” commonly portrayed as a lush, green tree symbolising the interconnectedness of all living beings. In Mesopotamian mythology, the Tree of Life was a sacred entity to the gods, believed to possess the ability to grant immortality
Blue
The Blue Bird – Hear&Listen
- In many European folk tales, the blue bird of happiness is a symbol of happiness and fulfillment. This symbol is found in many cultures and may date back thousands of years.
- In Native American cultures, the bluebird is associated with weather and represents hope and spring. The Cherokees believed bluebirds could control the weather, while the Hopis saw them as directional guardians.
The Blue World – Learn&Know
- In Navajo cosmology, the Blue World is the second of four worlds that beings pass through. It is associated with water, growth, and the beginnings of structure and organisation. The color blue here reflects transformation and development.
- In Egyptian mythology, the Blue World is a symbolic representation of the sky or the heavens. The color blue was associated with the sky and the gods, and was used in art and architecture to depict the divine.
The Blue Moon – Look&See
- The blue moon occurs when there is a second full moon in a calendar month. In folklore, it is sometimes viewed as a rare, magical event that brings change, transformation, or unexpected opportunities.
- In Native American Folklore the blue moon was believed to be a time when spirits and ancestors could be communicated with, and wishes could be granted.
The Blue Tree – Smell&Scent
- The Blue Willow (Chinese Mythology) is featured in a love story where the blue design on porcelain symbolises loyalty and eternal love. The myth ties the color blue to fidelity and the transcendent power of love.
- The Sapphire Tree of Heaven in Persian mythology, the mythical mountain of the gods is said to be home to this sacred tree with leaves that sparkle like sapphires. The tree represents the divine connection between heaven and earth, as well as the source of all life and healing.
The Blue Dragon – Taste&Savour
- In Chinese mythology, the blue dragon is a symbol of strength, power, and good fortune. It often represents the Eastern direction and is considered a guardian spirit of nature and balance.
- In Celtic mythology, blue dragons are seen as guardians of knowledge and hidden treasures. They embody flexibility, depth, and wisdom, often linked to the water element.
The Blue Lady – Touch&Feel
- In some Indian legends, the Blue Lady is a mystical figure associated with the night sky or the moon, often seen as a guardian or protector figure, embodying calmness and mystery.
- The “Blue Lady” is a figure from European folklore, often depicted as a ghostly or supernatural woman dressed in blue. She’s associated with mourning, loss, and longing.
Purple
The Purple Tree – Hear&Listen
- The Purple Forest of Avalon in Arthurian Legend In Arthurian legends, Avalon is described as having mystical purple forests, representing the magical and otherworldly nature of the island. Purple is used to convey the divine enchantment and timeless mystery of the legendary realm.
- The Purple Trees of the Amazon In South American myths, certain tribes speak of purple-leaved trees that grow in the sacred heart of the Amazon rainforest. These trees are said to have spiritual significance, representing healing, mystery, and the connection between the living and the spirit world.
The Purple Snail – Learn&Know
- In ancient Phoenician mythology, purple dye was made from the murex snail, was considered sacred to the gods. It was believed that the gods themselves wore garments made from this rare and powerful dye. This purple color was associated with divine authority, royalty, and the spiritual realm.
- In mediterranean myths the purple snail represents immortality and the passage to the afterlife. The murex snail’s purple dye was believed to be a magical elixir capable of granting eternal life. The snails’ connection to the underworld and death made them symbols of resurrection and rebirth.
The Purple Bird – Look&See
- The Purple Peacock, in Hinduism, the peacock is associated with the god Kartikeya, the god of war, who rides the bird. The peacock’s feathers represent beauty, grace, and divine power. The purple hues of the peacock are seen as a manifestation of spiritual and earthly energy.
- The Purple Feathers of the Thunderbird, In Native American traditions, the Thunderbird, a powerful spiritual being, is described with purple feathers. The purple color signifies its connection to storms, the sky, and the divine. It represents strength, mystery, and the balance between destruction and life-giving rain.
The Purple Smoke – Smell&Scent
- In Middle Eastern folklore, djinn are often described as emerging from purple smoke. This mystical color represents their connection to the unseen realms, magic, and their dual nature as both protectors and tricksters.
- The Slavic goddess Morana of winter and death, is linked to visions of eerie smoke rising from the fields during her arrival. A purple smoke symbolises her dual nature of death and renewal, representing both decay and the eventual return of spring.
The Purple Flower – Taste&Savour
- In Native American cultures, the purple flower symbolises healing, transformation, and spiritual wisdom. The legend often involves a hero who embarks on a journey to find a rare purple flower to cure a great illness or restore balance to the land.
- The purple lotus is a sacred symbol in Hindu and Buddhist traditions. In Buddhism, it represents mystical spiritual awakening and enlightenment. The color purple emphasizes the transcendence of the material world and the pursuit of spiritual wisdom.
- In Greek mythology, when Adonis dies, the goddess Aphrodite mourns him, and his blood is said to mix with nectar to create purple flowers (often associated with anemones). The purple flowers symbolise love, loss, and the transformation of grief into beauty.
The Purple Sky – Touch&Feel
- The Morrígan, the Celtic goddess of war and fate, is associated with a purple sky that appears before a great battle. The color represents the blending of blood (red) and shadow (blue), symbolising violence, prophecy, and transformation.
- The Purple Skies of Maui’s Lasso In Polynesian mythology, when Maui lassos the sun to slow its passage across the sky, the horizon is described as glowing with shades of purple and gold. The purple symbolises the blending of day and night, marking a moment of divine intervention and cosmic transformation.
