The Gaze as Omen
When I paint eyes that dominate the composition—large, patterned, luminous—they are never merely emotional expressions. I am drawing from a deep well of superstition where the gaze itself carried power. In Slavic and Mediterranean folklore, people believed the eyes could reveal destiny. A glance could bless crops, charm lovers, or curse a household. My portraits echo that tradition. The gaze becomes a sign, hinting at forces beyond the visible. The viewer senses that the eyes are not just looking, but knowing.
Eyes as Supernatural Indicators
In many old beliefs, eyes functioned as portals to the unseen. They were thought to perceive spirits, foresee danger, or expose hidden intentions. When I construct eyes with patterned irises, glowing pupils, or layered botanical motifs, I am suggesting that they hold more than emotion. They become supernatural indicators. The viewer may feel watched, not in a threatening way, but in a way that suggests the portrait understands something about them. The eyes predict not through narrative, but through presence.
Patterned Irises and Divinatory Logic
The patterns within my eyes often resemble mandalas, rings, or radial marks. These motifs reflect divinatory tools found in folk practices: reading water ripples, shell markings, or the rings of cut wood. Patterns were believed to reveal messages from fate. When I embed similar structures within irises, I invite the viewer to interpret. The eye becomes a symbolic surface where meaning could emerge. The portrait feels prophetic, as if the viewer might uncover insight simply by looking long enough.
Botanical Sight
Many of my eyes grow from botanical forms or merge with them. Vines curl into lash shapes, petals frame the gaze, or seeds appear as pupils. This reflects folklore where plants could predict outcomes. Blooming out of season signaled marriage or illness; twisting stems indicated tangled relationships. By merging eyes and botanicals, I suggest that perception is rooted in natural cycles. The gaze becomes part of a living omen system, reading the world through organic signals.
The Evil Eye and Protective Glances
Superstitions surrounding the evil eye influenced how people viewed powerful gazes. A stare could harm, but symbols could protect. In my portraits, multiple eyes or mirrored eyes function as both threat and shield. They evoke the idea that awareness protects against misfortune. When I paint a figure with a steady, patterned gaze, I imagine it guarding the viewer. The portrait becomes a talismanic presence, absorbing or deflecting negativity. The gaze predicts danger and interrupts it.
Blessings Through Vision
Not all superstitious beliefs about eyes were fearful. Some held that a loving or admiring gaze could bless a person, heal emotional wounds, or attract prosperity. Soft glows around my eyes or warm colour palettes express this gentler side. The viewer may feel uplifted, as if the portrait offers quiet encouragement. The gaze becomes a blessing rather than a warning, suggesting positive outcomes. The artwork feels like a companion offering support.
Symmetry and Predictability
Symmetry in my portraits reinforces the idea of prediction. Balanced features and mirrored eyes evoke order and structure. In folk magic, symmetry suggested stability and favorable outcomes. When both eyes align perfectly, the viewer senses clarity. The portrait feels like it knows what will unfold. The symmetry becomes visual reassurance, implying that destiny follows a coherent pattern. It transforms uncertainty into calm.
Texture as Hidden Message
Texture plays a subtle role in conveying superstition. Grain, haze, and layered atmospheres can obscure or reveal details within the gaze. In folklore, omens were often hidden and required careful observation. A shadow in the corner of the eye or a glow behind the pupil can imply unseen developments. Texture creates ambiguity and depth, encouraging the viewer to look closely. The portrait becomes a field of signs waiting to be decoded.
Emotional Prediction
Emotion and superstition intertwine in my work. A gaze may appear sorrowful, hinting at loss, or bright with anticipation, suggesting opportunity. However, the emotional tone does not merely reflect the present moment. It implies what may come. The viewer senses potential shifts in their own life. The portrait becomes a mirror that anticipates. This predictive feeling emerges from composition, colour, and gaze direction. The artwork suggests emotional transformation.
Folkloric Continuity
By connecting my portraits to superstitious beliefs, I tie contemporary art to an ancient symbolic lineage. People once looked to eyes for guidance, reassurance, or warning. They treated the gaze as a supernatural instrument. My work continues that tradition, translating it into a modern visual language. The portraits feel familiar and uncanny at the same time, grounded in folklore yet shaped by contemporary aesthetics.
Living With a Predictive Gaze
When a portrait with a powerful gaze hangs on a wall, it becomes part of daily experience. The viewer notices new details over time, interpreting the gaze differently based on mood or circumstances. The portrait seems to shift, offering new insights. It becomes a silent ritual of reflection, a visual omen that accompanies everyday life. The gaze predicts not through prophecy, but through emotional resonance, guiding the viewer toward inner awareness.
Why Superstitious Portraiture Resonates
I believe this approach resonates because people still seek signs. We still interpret expressions, look for patterns, and assign meaning to glances. Superstitious portraiture acknowledges that instinct. It offers symbolic engagement without demanding belief. The viewer feels seen and accompanied by a presence that understands more than emotion. The gaze becomes a bridge between intuition and imagination, turning a portrait into a quiet, supernatural guide.
