Atlas Metamorphosis: Stage 3 of 4: King Pupa

Egyptian funeral barge with horned scarab beetle in tomb pyramid construction

The Ancient Egyptian cocoon tomb is transported in a giant funeral barge to a pyramid for its resurrection as a Beetle. It is the third piece to the puzzle that started as a lucid dream in 2010.

This piece was selected as a Hunting Art Prize Finalist of 2014 as well as one of two pieces selected for Lawndale Art Center’s The Big Show of 2014. Preceding it was stage 2 of 4, also gaining the Hunting Art Prize Finalist status in 2012 which was the largest art prize in America.

More about the beetle symbology:
It is clear that the symbolism of the scarab refers to transformation – the transformation of the soul from physical to non-physical, from ignorant of its nature to wise. Egyptians represented the concept of immortality and resurrection through the image of the scarab beetle, and therefore, they created seals, amulets and talismans, which served as tools to inform those who carried them about these concepts.

It is important to point out that the real “power” of the talismans and amulets was never the object itself, but rather, the knowledge it contained. A person who is imbued with the spirit of immortality and transformation does not fear death. Since fear is one of things that prevent people from achieving their ideals, those who do not fear are the ones who make history, so it is the knowledge that protects, the amulets and talismans are mere instruments through which the knowledge is revealed.” – Thias Campos

Move onto the next stage:

stage1astage 2 stage 4

stage 3