Of the many stories recounted in Greek Mythology, one of the prominent tells the tale of King Midas and his unquenchable avarice in search of what he deemed as happiness. Ruler of the country of Phrygia, King Midas had everything one could dream of: power, a towering fortress, a stunning daughter, and immense wealth— and yet, that was not enough. Money was his obsession, with gold being his self-proclaimed source of joy.
One day, Midas, in return for his kindness to Dionysus, god of fertility and wine, was granted one wish, to which he requested that everything he touched turn to gold. Though he achieved his source of happiness, gold, with just the touch of his fingers, regret immediately ensued as he quickly discovered the grave mistake he made. Midas could no longer eat as everything he touched turned to gold. Filled with remorse, he looked for comfort with a hug from his daughter, who herself turned into a statue of gold by his mere embrace.
Inspired by the story of King Midas, artist Natalia Kapchuk invites us to consider and reflect on the consequences of greed and how humanity can be the fuel to its own demise. Employing her signature mixed media techniques, vailed in the luminescent color of gold, the artist directs attention to the irresponsible mining and cultivation of Earth’s resources, such as precious stones and metals, oil, coal, and natural gas. Such abusive actions only accelerate the downfall of our declining planet and all its inhabitants.
