Clytie

I first encountered the statue of Clytie in a museum. As I took her photograph, I remember wondering, "What is the story of this woman, emerging from the petals?"

In mythology, Clytie and the sun god, Apollo, are lovers. But when Apollo falls for a young princess named Leucothoe, jealousy drives Clytie to betray them, leading to a tragic end. In return, Apollo abandons Clytie forever. Filled with regret and heartache, she sits on the ground for nine days without food or water, her eyes fixed only on the sun, until she takes root and transforms into a sunflower.

While Clytie’s story is mostly read as a symbol of love and devotion, I choose to focus on this naturally imperfect beings transformation after everything she endured and caused. It is like rising from the ashes at the very point where one feels utterly depleted.

A story that opens an unexpected door to a new beginning and hope.

Oil on Canvas, 2026