WeBecomeAware Shane Nagel

The composition presents a central female figure dominating the visual field, set against a vibrant, textured background. The color palette is predominantly warm – oranges and yellows – contrasted with cooler blues and purples that define the figure and certain surrounding elements. A sense of layered complexity permeates the work, achieved through both the arrangement of forms and the application of paint.
The woman’s posture suggests an upward gaze, her head tilted back as if in contemplation or revelation. Her skin tone is rendered in deep hues, accentuated by intricate patterns that appear to be applied directly onto the surface. These markings resemble tribal tattoos or scarification, hinting at a connection to ancestral heritage and spiritual practices. The artist has emphasized her eyes, giving them an intense, almost otherworldly quality. She wears what appears to be a headdress of green foliage, further connecting her to nature.
A significant element is the serpentine form that emerges from the upper right corner. Its sinuous curves dominate this portion of the canvas and seem to coil around the figure’s outstretched hand. The hand itself holds a small, intricately detailed object – a cluster of what appear to be eyes or jewels – which further draws attention to the interaction between the woman and the serpent. This motif immediately evokes symbolic associations with wisdom, transformation, and potentially danger, drawing on archetypal imagery found across various cultures.
The background is not merely decorative; it’s a dense field of symbols and pictograms. These include stylized human figures, geometric shapes (circles, triangles), and what appear to be ancient glyphs or runes. Their placement seems deliberately scattered, creating an atmosphere of esoteric knowledge and hidden meaning. The density of these symbols contributes to the overall feeling that this is not a straightforward representation but rather a visual encoding of complex ideas.
The figure on the left side of the painting appears as a shadow-like projection, seemingly engaged in some form of ritualistic action involving a small object held in its hand. This secondary figure reinforces the sense of layered narrative and suggests an underlying story or process unfolding beyond what is immediately visible.
Subtexts within this work seem to revolve around themes of awakening, spiritual insight, and the interplay between human consciousness and ancient wisdom. The serpent’s presence implies a journey of self-discovery that may involve confronting challenging truths or undergoing profound personal transformation. The symbols scattered across the background suggest a connection to a larger cosmic order or ancestral knowledge system. Ultimately, the painting invites contemplation on the nature of awareness itself – the moment when one becomes conscious not only of oneself but also of the intricate web of meaning and symbolism that surrounds us.