SILVIA KARAMFILOVA

“GOOD NEWS” is an image in the “Windows, Doors and Bridges” cycle of paintings. It contains the element of the window through which we, as the viewer, look out. The painting is an allusion to the story about Noah’s Ark. According to the legend, Noah’s Ark is a large ship (vessel) described in the Bible in chapters 6-9 of Genesis through the construction of which God saves from extinction Noah and his family, as well as couples of numerous species of animals from a global flood. It is presumed that it occurred approximately 4350 years ago. After the flood waters receded, Noah released a white dove with the hope of finding land where the vessel could moor. The dove returned carrying an olive tree branch in its beak. That became known as the symbol of salvation and firm ground where life would continue. The olive is associated with the hope of peace, renewed life and deliberate work towards a new aim. It is often depicted by painters in times of war, cataclysms, and epidemics. Simultaneously, the olive branch is also a sign of rebirth.

The painting done in 2020 gives the feeling that humanity is passing through a new global cataclysm characterized by the acute change taking place in our lives, filled with fear and uncertainty. Thus, we find ourselves sailing in a new Noah’s Ark, slowly moving towards a new, soon to be reinvented, world. No one knows what it would look like or what exactly it will offer us. Light streams inwards and all we have is our hope and the determination to survive. The white bird is the symbol of this hope and desire for a better life. It brings good news of a new beginning.

Resting on the window pane are 8 books symbolizing the knowledge collected throughout time. It is through the gathering of knowledge and our willingness for adaptation, coupled with our prior experience, that we would enter this new world. However, knowledge alone will not be sufficient unless we attain wisdom in the process of change.

There are also pomegranates depicted in the painting. In Greek and Persian mythology, they symbolize death, but also fertility, beauty and eternal life. This shows the dualistic nature of life encompassing birth and death, ends and new beginnings. We are at the threshold of… a New Beginning. Perhaps it is time to leave the ship and discover a new reality with an open mind and good intentions.

If you pay close attention, you will notice that there are two olive tree branches. On the window pane lies the branch reminding us of the first world wide flood, while the one brought by the white bird represents the Good News coming now. I leave it to you, the viewer, to decide how to approach the new time that is coming.