Leonidas, 2020

During the coronavirus pandemic and quarantine, I made this work out of leftover dyes, ironed on cardboard. During the confinement, I tried in my imagination to bring myself back to Greece in time and space. My work was inspired by the famous Spartan king Leonidas (a.d. 540 – 480), the hero soldier. Due to his superhuman struggle and perseverance in the Battle of Thermopylae (b.c. 480), he is considered a world-famous military leader. Following the pattern of Greek sculptures, the base of the image forms a marble-like form. Still, the colorful face and stylized eyes make the deservedly recognized warlord come alive and even eternal.