Persephone’s Journey or, Looking Back Upon from Whence She Came

“Looking Back Upon from Whence She Came” is a captivating title intended to evoke a sense of introspection and journey. It suggests a narrative that intertwines personal reflection with mythological elements, particularly focusing on themes of growth and transformation. Delving into Persephone’s story provides a rich canvas for exploring the dual nature of existence. Trapped as we are between life and the underworld, light and darkness, innocence and experience.

Persephone’s tale is a journey of metamorphosis, highlighting how the past shapes our present understanding and identity. Her cycle of descent into the underworld and return to the earth’s surface resonates with themes of reincarnation and renewal. This cyclical journey not only signifies the changing of seasons but also symbolizes personal evolution. The eternal struggle between forces of change and constancy.

The concept of looking back can be imagined as Persephone reflecting on her journey, encompassing her abduction by Hades, her role as Queen of the Underworld, and her eventual return to the land of the living. This reflection might reveal the resilience and adaptability she has developed, underscoring a broader message about embracing one’s origins to understand and appreciate one’s current path.

In a way, the story invites readers to consider their past, the journeys they have undertaken, and the transformations they have experienced. It echoes the idea that by understanding where we come from, we can better appreciate our present and shape our future, much like Persephone’s cycle of death and rebirth that influences both the individual and the world.

Oil on wood, 48 x 48 inches, 2024. Original painting available from Saatchi Art. Also is available as Fine art prints.