Water Monkey

This mesmerizing 60x60cm portrait captures the face of a monkey enveloped in cascading waterfalls. Rendered in vivid blues, the monkey’s visage transforms into a flowing water garden before our eyes. Yet two dark, penetrating eyes peer out from the aquatic veil, transfixing the viewer with their intense gaze. It is as if we stand before a sentient spring, the very water alive and staring back at us.

The monkey’s wise face and knowing eyes are rendered with such depth and detail that they seem to look directly into one’s soul. The piercing gaze conveys a sense of seeing through superficial masks to the true essence within. Yet the expression remains open to interpretation – some may see analysis in those dark eyes, as if the monkey is peering into the depths of one’s psyche and taking measure. Others may discern only compassion and acceptance there, free from judgment.

The contrast between the vivid blue watercolor tones and the dark frame creates a window effect, as if we are gazing into another world. The monkey’s penetrating green eyes serve as the bridge between observer and observed, beckoning us to look deeper, beyond surface appearances. This mystical portrait exemplifies Sáenz’s ability to capture the inner essence of her subjects.

Symbolism

This mesmerizing portrait encapsulates the fluidity and adaptability of water through the symbol of the blue monkey enveloped in waterfalls. The vivid blue hue evokes the life-giving force of water, specifically evoking the rains that nourish the lush Costa Rican jungle. Water represents our emotions and inner flow state, cleansing and changing like a river.

The monkey merging into water symbolizes the Taoist ideal of effortless action and dissolving the egoic self into one’s surroundings. Like water conforming to a vessel, the monkey represents aligning gracefully with circumstances rather than forcing against them. This reflects Bruce Lee’s “be water” philosophy of adapting fluidly like water in a river. The watery environment suggests change, fluidity and willingness to adapt. By transforming into the flowing creek, the monkey becomes one with its surroundings. This reflects the Zen Buddhist philosophy of oneness and harmony with nature.

The monkey’s wise gaze conveys ancient wisdom, seeing through surfaces to essence. Its piercing eyes bridge observer and observed, beckoning us to live fully in the present moment. The vivid blues evoke rainforest renewal, while the dark frame creates a window into another world.

Overall, this mystical portrait utilizes water symbolism to reflect themes of inner peace, emotional flow, oneness with nature, dissolution of ego, and the permeability of reality. The monkey represents aligning ourselves harmoniously with the universe’s flow, just as the rainforest effortlessly adapts to the circulating waters. Through depictions of animals merging into their environments, Sáenz’s work explores the fluid boundaries between self and world. Her art ultimately conveys that reality is a subjective co-creation, shaped by our awareness.