HOPE (2024) Painting by Otrebor

This piece is part of the Umbral collection, which explores states of post-life consciousness where we are confronted by our inner monsters. Once we leave the physical body, our fears, anxieties, anguish, guilt, and unresolved issues have nowhere left to hide, emerging fully exposed, like a skull without skin. The portraits in this collection tell these stories, inviting the viewer to confront their own demons.

"Hope" reminds us that the journey to overcome difficulties is illuminated both by hope and by the collective effort to nurture deep relationships and promote the peaceful resolution of conflicts. In numerology, the number 6 symbolizes family ties and the power of interpersonal connections. The golden circle symbolizes the strength of human connections, which together have the potential to illuminate the darkness and inspire transformation. “Hope” invites us to reflect on how our deepest relationships and bonds have the power to illuminate our individual paths, showing that hope is both an inner journey and a collective construction.

Element Analysis
The Background (Earthy and Metallic Fog):
The earthy and metallic tones symbolize the layers of suffering and difficulties that make up the work’s setting. Red adds a sense of emotional intensity, referring to struggle and sacrifice, while touches of gold suggest the presence of something precious and luminous that still persists amidst the chaos. The fog, in turn, represents the confusion and uncertainty that often obscure the path to hope.
Visual Effect: The composition creates a sensation of depth, with the smoky environment serving as a backdrop for the contrast between despair and the central luminosity, making the golden circle even more impactful.

The Six Skull-Shaped Specters:
Specters, represented as skulls, symbolize the presence of death, fear and adversity that seem to haunt and surround life. The expression of surprise and the instigated stance of these specters in relation to the golden circle suggest that, even in a seemingly hopeless state, the possibility of hope can still inspire and attract, offering a new perspective to those who contemplate it.
Number Six: In numerology, 6 is the representation of family.

The Golden Luminous Circle:
The golden circle, which occupies the center of the composition, represents the vital force of hope, radiating light and energy. Its circular shape suggests plenitude, protection and eternity, being a universal symbol of continuity and perfection. It serves as a focal point that breaks up the gloomy environment, illuminating and bringing a clear contrast to the spectrums around it.
Effect on Specters: The light emanated by the circle suggests a change of state, as if the presence of this glow was capable of awakening a new perception in the specters, offering them a glimpse of redemption or salvation.

Related themes

HopeUnderworldDarkCirclePower