Reflecting on My Artistic Process: Asking ChatGPT to analyse one of my paintings

For me, art is about creating bridges between the symbolic and the imaginary—a way to evoke meaning and emotions that resonate without the need for an artist or curator to explain every detail. Art should be able to stand on its own, inviting viewers to form their interpretations. As the artist I aspire to become, I pour deep thought into the symbolism behind my paintings. Every element is intentional, even if its meaning might not always be immediately understood by others.

To test whether my work communicates the ideas I aim to convey, I decided to try something unconventional: I asked ChatGPT to analyse one of my paintings. Could my art speak for itself, even through the eyes of an AI? Here's the resulting analysis of one of my works, a piece that explores themes of introspection, freedom, and harmony with nature:

Visual Composition

In this painting, a nude woman reclines on what appears to be a body of water, her figure cradled by celestial spheres resembling moons. Behind her sits a lion, calm yet watchful, exuding an air of mystery and quiet strength. The landscape, a mirrored expanse of mountains and water, feels timeless and dreamlike, its stillness drawing the viewer into a suspended moment that blurs the boundaries between reality and imagination.

Themes and Symbols

The WomanPresented in her natural, unadorned state, the woman embodies vulnerability, freedom, and the rawness of desire. Her closed eyes and relaxed posture suggest introspection or a dream state, reflecting a longing for inner exploration. She evokes the archetype of a wandering figure—like Mary of Egypt or a gypsy wanderer—connected to personal transformation and self-discovery.

The LionThe lion’s presence introduces a layer of complexity, symbolizing both primal strength and sensuality. Its calm demeanor suggests a protective or harmonious relationship with the woman, transcending the predator-prey dynamic. Like the Sphinx, the lion serves as a keeper of mysteries, representing untamed forces that coexist with introspective or spiritual aspects of life.

The Moons and WaterThe celestial forms and water beneath the woman evoke ideas of cycles, emotions, and the passage of time. The phases of the moon could symbolize transformation, growth, or hidden knowledge. The water, often linked to the subconscious and emotion, appears to cradle her, suggesting a journey through her inner world. This dreamlike setting invites reflection on the interplay between memory, forgetfulness, and the fluid boundaries of past and present.

Dream vs. RealityThe painting oscillates between reality and dream, aligning with surrealist notions of exploring desire and the unconscious. The serene landscape and the stillness of the moment create a sense of timeless introspection, blurring the line between waking and dreaming, human and animal.

Conclusion:

A Journey of Harmony and Mystery

Ultimately, this painting captures a moment of profound stillness and harmony—a coexistence between the human and natural world. The lion, far from being a threat, becomes a companion, emphasizing a deeper connection between instinct and reflection. Inspired by the legend of Mary of Egypt, the painting mirrors her themes of wandering, transformation, and freedom.

It also reflects my hope as an artist: to create work that speaks across layers of meaning, inviting viewers to interpret and imagine. Whether it’s a moment of peace, a journey of self-discovery, or a window into the subconscious, what do you see in this tranquil yet mysterious scene?

This process of reflection—through both creating and analyzing—has been a powerful way to understand my artistic voice. It’s a reminder that art is as much about what it says to others as what it teaches the artist themselves.