Curses Inc Tristan Elwell

The composition presents a scene steeped in contrasting elements, blending archaic ritual with contemporary technology. Here we observe an elderly figure, presumably a sorceress or witch, hunched over a bulky computer monitor. Her attire – a voluminous grey robe lined with thick fur – suggests a traditional role associated with magic and the occult. The wildness of her hair further reinforces this image of untamed power.
The setting is equally significant. A stone-walled room, illuminated by flickering candlelight and a single window offering a glimpse of twilight, evokes an atmosphere of seclusion and antiquity. Shelves laden with aged tomes and alchemical paraphernalia contribute to the sense of a space dedicated to arcane knowledge. The presence of a black cat, traditionally linked to witchcraft, adds another layer of symbolic resonance.
However, the central focus – the computer – immediately disrupts this established iconography. The monitor displays what appears to be a document or spreadsheet, suggesting a mundane task being undertaken within an otherwise mystical environment. This juxtaposition creates a compelling tension between old and new, tradition and modernity.
The circular design on the floor, marked with astrological symbols, implies that the figure is performing some kind of ritual or spellcasting. The fact that this activity is intertwined with computer use hints at a commentary on how ancient practices might adapt to contemporary life. It could be interpreted as a satirical exploration of the commodification of magic, suggesting that even curses can now be managed through spreadsheets and digital interfaces.
The figure’s posture – bent over the keyboard, seemingly absorbed in her task – indicates a degree of resignation or perhaps even boredom. This undermines any notion of grand, theatrical spellcasting, instead portraying a mundane, almost bureaucratic approach to magic. The crumpled paper held in her hand might represent discarded attempts at more traditional methods, further emphasizing the shift towards digital practices.
Ultimately, the painting offers a nuanced perspective on the intersection of tradition and technology, questioning how ancient beliefs and rituals are reinterpreted and integrated into modern society.