Directions by Silvian Sternhagel

About "Directions"

by Silvian Sternhagel

About the artwork

The surreal oil painting entitled "Directions" transports the viewer into a fascinating world full of symbolic meaning. In the centre of the painting is a huge spinning top surrounded by other spinning tops in different colours. This raises the central question: Where do these spinning tops move to, and what meaning do they carry in the context of life?

The spinning top in art often symbolises movement, change and transformation. It can represent the constant whirlwinds of life that sometimes throw us off balance or change our direction in favour of positive development. In the painting, the gusts and wind currents can be felt, adding to the dynamic atmosphere. The crosswind can represent the unpredictable challenges of life or serve as a symbol for the will to actively shape life.

The woman in the painting, in a long flowing dress and in conjunction with the spinning top, could symbolise humanity juggling the forces of life. The folds of her dress and her movement lend elegance and grace to the image.

The play of stilts in the background adds to the surreal quality of the painting, reminding us that life is often a game where we sometimes have to balance on metaphorical stilts to find our way.

Overall, this painting asks the viewer to think about movement and change in life. It reminds us that life is like a spinning top, constantly turning and taking us wherever it wants to go unless we learn to consciously steer and shape it. It encourages us to accept life's challenges and face the winds of fate by mastering the art of controlling and directing our own path.