Maya MOON Goddess
Series of four digital artworks. Private commission
Series of four digital artworks. Private commission
Artworks design: © Victor Kovalenko, 2020-21. All rights reserved.
“Maya Moon Goddess — Light”, 2020. 50 x 70 cm
“Maya Moon Goddess — Dark”, 2020. 50 x 70 cm
“Maya Moon Mysteries — Light”, 2021. 50 x 70 cm
“Maya Moon Mysteries — Dark”, 2021. 50 x 70 cm
The following two diptychs are based on the ancient Maya Moon Goddess Ix Chel — a Goddess of midwifery and medicine in ancient Maya culture.
Every diptych consists of the “light” and “dark” artworks. These are based on the primary phases of the Moon — New Moon (dark) and Full Moon (lit up). If the Moon is between the Earth and the Sun in its orbit, then the back side of the Moon is being lit up and the side facing the Earth is in darkness. This is a new Moon. If the Moon is on the other side of the Earth compared to the Sun, then the near side of the Moon will be fully lit up: a full Moon.
Every diptych consists of the “light” and “dark” artworks. These are based on the primary phases of the Moon — New Moon (dark) and Full Moon (lit up). If the Moon is between the Earth and the Sun in its orbit, then the back side of the Moon is being lit up and the side facing the Earth is in darkness. This is a new Moon. If the Moon is on the other side of the Earth compared to the Sun, then the near side of the Moon will be fully lit up: a full Moon.
“Maya Moon Goddess — Light”, 2020. 50 x 70 cm
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The Moon had always played an important role in the ancient Maya mythology, to such a degree that they created a famous lunar calendar from its observation. In Maya civilization the Moon was also identified with the goddess Ix Chel. She is associated with sexuality and creation of life.
The Mayas traditionally believed that the sacred Moon was female and the Moon's phases resemble the stages of a woman's life. Maya Moon goddess has great influence and she sees everything. Her necklace consists of several cycles of the Moon due to the fact that these cycles determine the times of planting and harvest. The headwear and necklace are decorated with gold and tree leaves which attributes to the creation of precious life and fertility. She is the Moon, she is life.
The Mayas traditionally believed that the sacred Moon was female and the Moon's phases resemble the stages of a woman's life. Maya Moon goddess has great influence and she sees everything. Her necklace consists of several cycles of the Moon due to the fact that these cycles determine the times of planting and harvest. The headwear and necklace are decorated with gold and tree leaves which attributes to the creation of precious life and fertility. She is the Moon, she is life.
“Maya Moon Goddess — Dark”, 2020. 50 x 70 cm
“Maya Moon Goddess — Light”, 2020. 50 x 70 cm
Digital print on paper. Frame with glass.
Digital print on paper. Frame with glass.
“Maya Moon Mysteries — Light”, 2021. 50 x 70 cm
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For the ancient Maya the moon was as important as the sun. Mayan astronomers analyzed and predicted the moon’s movements with great accuracy. The primary Maya moon goddess was Ix Chel. Although she was a fearsome goddess, she was also the patroness of childbirth, fertility and often associated with love and medicine. Ix Chel was the wife of the sun god Ak Kin. In ancient Mayan language her name means “large rainbow”.
The coiled snake headdress is worn by Ix Chel in her moon goddess aspect. Snake is a powerful symbol among the Maya. In its primal form, snake represents the surge of life force that brings all things on earth into manifestation. One who has mastered snake energy controls forces of creation and destruction and understands the secrets of existence.
The coiled snake headdress is worn by Ix Chel in her moon goddess aspect. Snake is a powerful symbol among the Maya. In its primal form, snake represents the surge of life force that brings all things on earth into manifestation. One who has mastered snake energy controls forces of creation and destruction and understands the secrets of existence.
“Maya Moon Mysteries — Dark”, 2021. 50 x 70 cm
“Maya Moon Mysteries — Light”, 2021. 50 x 70 cm
Digital print on paper. Frame with glass.
Digital print on paper. Frame with glass.
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