Transient and Eternal, Acrylic on Canvas 150 x 150 cm, Dereje Shiferaw, Ethiopia

This piece profoundly captures the essence of human existence and the eternal journey beyond life on Earth. The interplay of the central figure with the skeletal form suggests the inevitable connection between life and death, serving as a reminder of our morality.

The halo-like shape surrounding the figure’s head could symbolize the spiritual transition or the soul’s transcendence, representing hope and the continuity of life beyond physical existence. The skeletal form within the figure appears as a representation of the afterlife, hinting at the idea that death is not an end but a transformation into something eternal.

The scattered abstract marks and objects in the background evoke the chaos and beauty of the human experience. At the same time, the blue backdrop might symbolize infinity or the vast unknown of what lies beyond.

Overall, the piece seems to derive from humanity’s eternal quest for meaning, our connection to the universe, and the mysteries of life after death. It invites viewers into the cycle of existence and the legacy they leave behind.