Mandrakes
Mandrakes
The Mandrake paintings are from a series called Wicked Plants and are inspired from the plant Mandragora officinarum commonly known as the ‘Mandrake’. It is best known for its long and forked-pointed root which often resembles the human form. Belonging to the deadly nightshade family it is full of alkaloids and like its cousins, creates an interesting soporific magic over its victims. There are many stories and superstitions associated with the mandrake root. Members of ancient civilizations thought that the bifurcated hairy root looked like a devilish little person, sometimes male and sometimes female. The Romans believed the mandrake could cure demonic possession and it has also been widely believed that the mandrake shrieked when it was pulled from the ground – so loudly that its screams would kill anyone who heard it.
My aim with the works was to depict not only the ‘jester-like’ characters but also the sinister aspect that I associate with the plant and to incite curiosity and fascination within the viewer.
Mandrake - deadly innocence!!
(2011)
oil on canvas
91.5 x 46cm
Mandrake -give me your mind!!
(2011)
oil on canvas
91.5 x 46cm
Mandrake - touch me and I'll scream!!
(2011)
oil on canvas
91.5 x 46cm
Mandrake - hallucinations!!
(2011)
oil on canvas
91.5 x 46cm