12 Disciples
Colored Ink on Paper
Drawing Dimensions: 25.9×41.0 cm
Paper Dimensions: 37.4×56.7 cm
This artwork presents Elvis Grahovac’s interpretation of the 12 disciples, reimagined in a way that defies traditional representations. The figures take the form of unique, worm-like characters, each distinguished by its own colors, patterns, and emotional expression. These differences symbolize the diversity of opinions, personalities, and inner turmoil among the disciples, reflecting the complexity of human nature.
Their eyes, a focal point of the piece, convey a range of emotions: some appear trapped in fear, others seem lost in a trance, and a few look at one another, hinting at a chaotic interplay of relationships. One figure, hiding in the background, radiates madness, its swirling eyes embodying instability. Across the group, there is a shared sense of detachment—a lack of awareness and grounding, as if they exist in a dreamlike state of confusion and longing.
The disciples, in this vision, are searching for something greater, aware of a higher presence in the background but disconnected from it. They mirror humanity’s own struggle with belonging and purpose.
The background sky, with its flowing spirals reminiscent of Van Gogh’s Starry Night, brings a sense of harmony and eternity. Elvis finds the spirals soothing and uses them to emphasize the infinite and balanced nature of the universe. Beneath the night sky lie fields and flowers, eternal and directly connected to the divine. These elements ground the work in a state of perfect balance—a sharp contrast to the lost and unsettled disciples.
The disciples, as a metaphor for humanity, feel out of place in this world. Nature exists in harmony, endlessly renewing itself in a cycle without beginning or end, while we remain disconnected from this balance. Despite this, Elvis captures a unifying thread: emotions. The varied colors of the figures blend naturally with the environment, symbolizing that while we may be off course consciously, our emotions connect us to the essence of the world and to one another.
Through 12 Disciples, Elvis Grahovac offers a profound exploration of human nature, our disconnect from the natural order, and our enduring quest for meaning. It is a reflection on imbalance, longing, and the hope of finding harmony within ourselves and the universe.
For more information, availability and pricing, please contact
elvisart@yahoo.com