Strangler Fig: Adam and Eve
2022
Oil, 24k Gold Leaf, Genuine Silver Leaf, and Iron Oxide on Wood Panel
60 x 30 in. each
Rosales’s pendant paintings speak to the theme of indecisiveness. On a golden quatrefoil pattern recalling gothic architecture, Adam and Eve confront external influences. A strangler fig tree, symbolizing manipulation, gains further complexity with a double-headed snake connecting the two panels. Inspired by the ouroboros, Rosales alludes to the snake as an element offering choices to the first man and woman, and their ancestors: Follow society’s norms, or stand one’s ground and be one’s unique self? These questions emerge as Adam and Eve each grasp a fig in their hands, while the strangler fig slowly wraps its roots around their feet and legs.