The second piece from my new vase collection. “ILLUSION” is a painting that plays a lot with the idea of duality and perception. What we perceive—whether it is the patterns of life, narratives, or personal experiences— isn’t necessarily the full truth. But then again, what is the truth? The ghostly panther figures and the shifting, imperfect outline of the amphora reinforce a theme of uncertainty and the elusive nature of perception. In essence, “ILLUSION” merges classical iconography, which is something I am very passionate about, with a more modern and abstract elements, like the checkers, to explore themes of time, existence, and the intricate layers of human lifes perceptions. The stark contrasts and symbolic elements are an invitation to reflect on the the very nature of reality itself. -Antonia xx