For weeks, I collected and observed the metamorphosis journey of a group of Brassolis sophorae: the harmless caterpillars with their velvety, plaid pattern; the subtle palette variations of the imposing snake-headed chrysalises; and, finally, the discreet, brown-shaded butterflies.
I learned, among other things, that unlike their previous life, as ever-hungry and insatiable caterpillars, adult butterflies simply cannot feed due to their non-functional proboscis. However, the accumulated energy appears to be more than enough to fuel the Brassolises in their skillful maneuvers and agile flight, a magnificent spectacle that can be observed at dusk, their favorite time of day. As adults, their lifespan is from 5 to 15 days only - and they seem to live each day to the fullest.
This one was a profound experience which connects me deeply to this species, and the time spent resulted in many notes, videos, photographs, color palettes, sketches, and the final painting depicting one butterfly I found alive, on the street, during a walk. As it could no longer fly - its deteriorated wings indicated that its best days had already passed - I secured a quiet place at the window, where it would feel a constant breeze on its wings, and receive the sunlight filtered through the leaves of the trees until the end of its journey.
