Black Swan is a theatrical cubistic oil painting symbolizing our economic uncertainty and human suffering caused by the COVID 19 pandemic.
Inspired by Nassim Taleb’s term Black Swan. I have created a seemingly hostile composition of two swans a man, woman and child staged in a graphic COVID 19 battlefield. My intention with this dramatic scene is to remind us that as tomorrow yesterday’s insight must change our position from one of victim to victor.
Taleb explains that a black swan is an extremely rare event with severe consequences. These events can cause catastrophic damage to an economy, and because they cannot be predicted, can only be prepared for by building robust systems. In order to do so he argue one need to learn from the past take uncertainty serious, do not only rely on intuition but apply common sense and be creative – diversify.
Universally the swan is the archetype of grace and beauty a symbol of loyalty and strength. In Greek mythology the swan was sacred to Apollo the god of music and in that time people believe that the swan sang a beautiful song when people died embracing them with sweet comfort.
Not only in myth and fairy tale but also as ancient totem the swan symbolized chastity, artistry and beauty. The image of a Black Swan relates to one’s personal experience and position in relation to the larger collective. It signifies an insight about you, which changes your position and participation within this world forever.
