Journey to Fantasy (Matys regai hente)

Journey to Fantasy (Matys regai hente)
Acrylic on canvas 50x70cm

I painted this picture for my friend Matys. I submerged his hometown of Prostějov in sea water representing memories and emotion, in which we can see tracks disappearing beneath the surface. These refer to Matys's "train" works. The face belongs to Matys himself. I was also inspired to paint this picture by my favourite film Spirited Away.

I drew the following shen-shu divination for the painting:

144 Heaven in a Bottle

一重水一重山
風波道坦然
壺中別有天

Many mountains and rivers.
Wind and waves, the journey is calm.
Inside the bottle is a different sky.

Life is usually not simple and most people, despite the challenges it brings, seek peace. When you find your path, you are blessed. It brings joy and peace. Many try to find a path in the oblivion of substances, but that is very different. For it does not bring peace, it merely removes the awareness of the missing peace.

Analysis of the painting "Spirited Away"

This painting, created for an artist friend named Matys, depicts his hometown of Prostějov immersed in seawater, which symbolizes memories and emotions. The urban scenery is lost beneath the water's surface, with the railway tracks symbolizing Matys's fascination with trains and his creative work.

Technique and color palette: The painting is done in acrylics, where blue and green tones dominate to create a sense of depth and infinity, while red and brown elements add warmth and vitality to the scene. The use of light and dark contrasts enhances the drama and draws the viewer into the scene.

Symbolism and interpretation: The submerged city can be interpreted as an image of flooded memories, where everyday reality is obscured by emotions and the past. The face, representing Matys, is the focal point, emphasizing his personal connection to the place and his own memories.

Comparison with other artists and contemporary art: The influence of the film "Spirited Away" is evident in the dreamlike quality and the theme of transitioning between reality and fantasy. This connection between personal and cultural elements recalls the work of artists such as Marc Chagall, whose pieces often combine reality with fantasy and personal symbolism.

Significance of the work: The painting "Journey into Fantasy" serves not only as a visual representation of the artist's imagination, but also as a means for deeper understanding and connection with emotions and the past. Much like the shen-shu prophecy suggests, there is a depiction here of seeking peace and understanding within the complexity of life.