Kairos Escape From The Underworld

A public artwork by Cameron Farn 2019 - 12 Pieces at ¾ Life Scale, 1 Artist Proof, 1 at Monument Scale

– Bronze, Gold Leaf, Pearlized Coatings, Patinas. 

Pricing will be posted soon - Please Contact  Carvel Creative For Details.

 

Kairos is the personification of opportunity and favorable moments. The word Kairos for example, denotes the moment in which an arrow may be fired with sufficient force to penetrate a target. This ancient god is known to carry a razor as a reminder of the fleeting instance in which occasions appear and disappear. It is said that the tuft of hair hanging over his forehead and the lack of hair on the back of his head represents the fleeting moment an opportunity must be grasped otherwise it is gone forever. My depiction of Kairos does not carry a razor, rather I shaped his helm into a more knife-like form. This helm worn by Kairos slices cleanly through the air piercing the circlet style opening of the underworld propelling him like an arrow loosed at the perfect time.

 

“Balance between light and dark is represented in this work by the figures nearly perfect symmetry as he exists the ring with the cloak of wisdom and truth grasped in each hand, while chaos which follows, is feral and mercurial. Amongst the storm of ignorance, malice and manipulation are serpents, they are named Silence, Rhetoric and Hate." - C77

 

This work is representative of accuracy, strength and assuredness, the taking of action at the proper opportune moment in debate and the presenting of truth supported by proof and delivered at the right time.

 

In Ancient Greece, "Kairos" was utilized by both two main schools of thought in the field of rhetoric (a passing instant when an opening appears which must be driven through with force if success is to be achieved.) The competing schools were that of the Sophists who stressed the rhetor's ability to adapt to and take advantage of changing, contingent circumstances and characterized the practice as an art which seeks to capture in opportune moments that which is appropriate and attempts to suggest that which is possible. And that of their opposition, led by individuals such as Aristotle and Plato who felt it represented the time and space context in which the proof will be delivered, and who viewed Sophistic rhetoric as a tool used to manipulate others, and criticized those who taught it.

 

“I created this work to inspire activism, the search for truth in all things. To represent the highest personal achievement in the face of adversity and to act as a reminder as to what is dwelling in the shadows of apathy should we fail to seek it."

 

• Several elements on the figure, serpents and adornments are gilded in gold leaf and pearlized patinas. These help to draw the eye across the composition which leads to the point of the helm. From chaos to truth supported by wisdom and proof.