Divine Sustenance

“Divine Sustenance” is a self-portrait that explores themes of luxury, opulence, and self-representation.

Historically, the act of being fed fruit has symbolised indulgence and status. It was a gesture often reserved for the wealthy. Drawing from that tradition, I imagined myself as a modern goddess, embodying both strength and sensuality.

Elements such as gold tones, silk fabrics, and red grapes evoke a sense of royalty and abundance. The grapes were chosen for their richness of colour and natural depth, allowing them to command the foreground. Set against a softly blurred Roman palace rendered in muted beiges and browns, the focus remains on the figure and the act of offering.

Working in layers, I built up bold, luminous colours and sharp highlights to amplify the painting’s richness. Through this process, “Divine Sustenance” becomes both a celebration of luxury and a reflection on timeless ideals of beauty, power, and reverence.