Be still

This painting marks the exact moment my internal world shifted. Originally intended as a clean, single-color portrait, the work transformed as I faced a pivotal decision in my life, and I felt a sudden, uncontrollable urge to break the "stillness" of the Mona Lisa—the ultimate symbol of the quiet, obedient woman. I covered the background with lyrics and words. "Gunpowder & Gelatine" is a reflection of my state of mind: explosive potential held together by a necessary stabilizer. The halo and the devil’s tail represent the duality. It explores the ambivalence of her expression—is she sad or smiling?—mirroring my own internal struggle. I wanted the viewer to feel the raw energy of that transition: what we are asked to be vs. what we really are.