The world has become too tense, taking everything literally and too seriously, like an overwhelming tsunami wave. This is why I chose to depict this self-portrait of a goldfish with a touch of humor.
The goldfish admires its reflection, as if saying: "Hey there, beautiful! Nice to see you! How you doin’?"
Despite being trapped in an aquarium within a vast and terrifying oceanic tsunami, the fish still finds beauty and positivity—even if only in its own reflection. This serves as a metaphor for life: we all exist in this vast oceanic world, and our reflection represents our behavior, attitude towards ourselves, and interactions with others. The way we treat others determines how we are treated in return.
This work aligns with the theme of “The Phenomenon of the Open Gaze”, as it challenges our perceptual limitations and offers a fresh perspective on reality. The fish’s self-admiration, despite its circumstances, illustrates how art can transcend conventional views and reveal beauty even in the most challenging situations.
Kristīne Priedīte "The Goldfish"
2024