Carlyle Nixon Chaudruc - Portfolio

CARLYLE CHAUDRUC

Artist	Portfolio	Events	Press	Contact	Links

Jewel Scarabs

[slideshow] [login]

Gallery: Carlyle Nixon Chaudruc - Portfolio

This series is inspired by dung beetles, which have evolved little over the last millennium. Held sacred by the ancient Egyptians as a symbol of longevity, scarab beetles are heartily abundant with their eerie beauty in the North African desert today. Basically, they are related to the common (and much loathed) cockroach yet their light reflective armor casings appear preciously opalescent, hence their popularity in late 19th century jewelry making. This series of "Jewel" Scarab paintings draws from both the ancient Egyptian and Victorian English traditions.

For me, the Scarab’s iridescent qualities are mesmerizing under the hot desert sun and their shapes remind me of so much more than a simple insect. I like the ambiguity that comes from the stylized and abstracted beetles of this series. The universality of the elliptical shape and bright colors invite the viewer to interpret the orbs as skulls, aliens, eggs, etc. This interpretive approach to the subject is consistent with the way the scarab has been viewed throughout history: as both a spiritual symbol and indicator of wealth. These are meant to be viewed in multiples of four.

Jewel Scarab 29 (11" x 15")

Jewel Scarab 28 (11" x 15")

Jewel Scarab 26 (11" x 15")

Jewel Scarab 22 (11" x 15")

Jewel Scarab 15 (11" x 15")

Jewel Scarab 13 (11" x 15")

Jewel Scarab 9 (11" x 15")

Jewel Scarab 4 (11" x 15")

Jewel Scarab 2 (11" x 15")

Gallery: Carlyle Nixon Chaudruc - Portfolio