Prometheus' Punishment

In my most recent portfolio, my pieces have gained inspiration from the microscopic. For “Prometheus' Punishment,” this inspiration came from Cirrhosis, this disease that causes the liver to create new scar tissue in its effort to heal. Over time, the accumulation of these scars leads to irreversible damage, leaving the liver weakened and dysfunctional. Although this biological process is limited to the liver, its core concept directly applies to our scars that cannot be seen.

Throughout one’s life, every hardship and negative experience is a scar that one carries with them. No matter how big or small, one’s scars are proof of one’s humanity. Without them, how can one truly say that they have endured the human experience? However, beyond acknowledging the importance of scars to our livelihood, this piece also poses the question to the viewer: do these scars leave us weak and dysfunctional, or do they build up an invisible shield that protects us from further harm? Does the weight of our adversities merely diminish us, or do we become more resilient by the experiences that have marked us?

Through visible lacerations across the liver tissue, the painting portrays each scar as a symbol of both survival and vulnerability. Just as the liver’s scars accumulate, so do the emotional marks left by life’s hardships. Ultimately, the piece invites the viewer to reflect on their own scars: do they serve as reminders of our limitations, or as proof of our resilience?