The Curse of the Triton
This artwork received a prestigious award, which played a key role in Nik's career.
"ME FECIT"
"The mission of Triton is to bring harmony into relationships through communication."
The Curse of the Triton
The artwork is available for purchase.
oil on canvas, 130 cm x 130 cm, 2019
Art Renewal Center Staff Award
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A painting full of details ...
and sensual symbols.
A story that touches the heart.
As the creator of this painting, entitled "The Curse of Triton"," I was inspired by my own emotional turmoil in a deteriorating, toxic relationship and the importance of clear communication. The central character, Triton, is the son of the sea gods Poseidon and Amphitrite and acts as a mediator between the sea, symbolising the feminine aspect, and the land, symbolising the masculine aspect.
He also represents myself in this breaking relationship. When communication breaks down, so does the structure, the connection and the attraction of the relationship. In the painting, my romantic interest is depicted as isolated and frozen under the ice, connected to Triton (myself) by an ice spear, also known as the "finger of death" This ice spear pierces Triton's heart, which represents cold emotions, his liver, which represents toxic emotions, and his knee, which represents a weakened foundation. The thick layer of ice between the figures stands for a communication barrier and symbolises my inability to express myself and be heard by my romantic interest, as well as the pain I have experienced.
The figures are depicted in an ice cave, which refers to Plato’s cave symbolism. In the context of my unhappy relationship, the cave symbolises the limits of my understanding and the illusions I had about the relationship. Much like the people in Plato's cave metaphor who only see shadows on the wall and believe they are reality, perhaps I was unable to see beyond my own perceptions and beliefs about the relationship, and perhaps I was unaware of the toxic dynamic that existed between my partner and me.
The cave also represents the need to free myself from the illusions I had about the relationship and confront the true nature of the dynamic between us, which required me to accept the fact that the relationship was toxic and unhealthy for me.
It was imperative that I leave the relationship. This story is my experience, but it applies to many people, and many recognise themselves in Triton's struggles. They identify with the universal themes of communication, understanding and toxic relationships.
... Your work inspired me and was a light in my 2020 ARC judging ...
Jeannie, jury of Art Renewal Center
When I saw the painting "The Curse of Triton" for the first time, I was deeply moved. Triton's pain and despair were so real that I could empathise with his suffering. Nik Anikis has captured the essence of love and pain in this painting in a way that moved me to tears.
Katja P.
Thoughtful and emotional
the process of creation.
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