Kiara Naidoo
Gosford High School
ETERNAL APOTHEOSIS
Drawing
Graphite on paper
My concept for Eternal Apotheosis was that certain human ideas and values are so abundant throughout history that they become almost divine. My body of work represents the profound and continuing conversation between the past and future, between Greek deities who symbolise ancient civilisations' values and beliefs and powerful women in modern culture. My work pairs paragons of celestial wonder (Urania, Jill Tarter), aesthetic beauty (Aphrodite, Alek Wek), musical creation (Apollo, Nina Simone), elemental value (Poseidon, Yusra Mardini) and moral justice (Themis, Ruth Bader Ginsburg). I encourage audiences to consider humanity's heritage and the present, side by side.
My artmaking practice has been influenced by the study and interpretation of the following artists: Michelangelo, Stan Prokopenko, Scott Hutchison.
Marker's Commentary
Eternal Apotheosis presents a sophisticated and meaningful investigation into the enduring nature of human values and influence through the pairing of Greek deities with powerful contemporary women. The artist demonstrates a knowing and sensitive understanding of interconnectedness, constructing a compelling dialogue between past and present that explores how ideas surrounding justice, beauty, creativity and knowledge continue to transcend time.
The work confidently recontextualises mythology, positioning contemporary figures as modern embodiments of ancient ideals. Each pairing operates with conceptual understanding, encouraging audiences to reflect upon humanity’s enduring tendency to elevate influential individuals into symbols of collective reverence and aspiration. Sensitive graphite rendering reveals a confident understanding of form, texture and tonal observation. Subtle modelling and careful attention to likeness create a convincing physical presence, reinforcing the relationships between figures with clarity, restraint and refinement.