Lazarus. Mixed media

Oils on canvas with acrylic painted moths through layers of resin, approx 60x30cm. I'd originally planned to use real moths but the organic powder pigment doesn't work well with the resin, so there's just one (that died of natural causes) that was carefully encased in resin, repainted and fixed into the layers.

Titled Lazarus after the phenomenon of delayed return of spontaneous circulation and the biblical stories of resurrection, it represents mortality symbolized by the short life cycle of moths and butterflies, juxtaposing a sense of mortality and longevity with the moth forever preserved in resin.

The quality of oil paint is enhanced by the resin in this painting, making a striking feature artwork that embodies a subtle neutral tone while holding its own as a contemporary fine art original.