ROSALES, Harmonia

Oshosi Gets his Crown, 2019

Oil on Belgian linen

23 x 16"

Based on King Oedipus from Greek mythology, this painting depicts the hunter Oshosi who unwittingly killed one of his parents. Oshosi was given a quest to find and trap a rare bird as a gift for Olofi (also called Olodumare or Olorun). Upon completion, his mother thought the bird was for dinner and killed it. Oshosi found the dead bird and trapped another. Olofi was delighted crowning Oshosi and making him an orisha of contemplation, loving the arts and of beautiful things. In addition, Olofi granted Oshosi a wish; he asked for his arrow to kill the person who had killed the first bird. He let his arrow fly, and it pierced his mother's heart. Oshosi is often viewed as a model of justice but in Rosales’ painting he looks vulnerable expressing the costs of his actions.

2019

ROSALES, Harmonia

b. United States, 1984

Smith Family Art Collection

2022.006.001