I created this painting during a period of inner transformation. At a certain point, horses began appearing repeatedly throughout my work. I believe this motif is deeply connected to my childhood; I grew up around horses and have always felt a strong fascination with them.
For me, horses represent a unique combination of elegance, strength, and sensitivity. Their ability to be startled by seemingly insignificant things reveals a heightened awareness and vulnerability beneath their powerful appearance. Their behaviour carries a fascinating balance between confidence and caution, instinct and thoughtfulness. This complexity makes the horse, to me, a deeply alive and inspiring creature.
Taming my own inner horse was not a simple process. To reach a more central and balanced place within myself, I needed to create an alter ego; a character that could give me the courage to confront and understand my inner world. This figure is represented by the rider wearing a wolf mask.
The wolf represents the untouched wilderness and instinctive freedom, while the horse symbolises inner structures, emotional depth, and personal awareness. The human figure, the rider, becomes the connection between these two worlds; balancing instinct and consciousness in a rising movement against a burning horizon.
The painting explores the relationship between the wild and the internal, between surrender and control, and the search for balance within oneself.
The work was painted on loose cotton canvas (120 × 160 cm) using oil pastel. It is currently exhibited at The Anthony Hotel in Utrecht and is available for purchase. For inquiries, please feel free to send me a message or email.