The Moment
Black Ink & Graphite on Paper
Drawing Dimensions: 32.8×49.0 cm
Paper Dimensions: 49.0×59.5 cm
The Moment is perhaps the most dear artwork to Elvis Grahovac, as it coincides with the birth of his new artistic style, the Spectrum style. It is a deeply symbolic and transformative piece of art, representing an epiphany: the instant when consciousness acknowledges there must be more to existence than mere physicality. This artwork reflects the idea that everything is in a balanced state of equilibrium, which could compare with basic principles of mechanics. Likewise, The Moment challenges the notion of randomness and emphasizes the interconnectedness of all things. In The Moment, every figure and every element holds meaning.
A Queen and her Advisor
At the center, a deteriorating queen embodies the fragility of power. She depends on her advisor, a shadowy figure to the left. He holds the true power, dictating her every move and sustaining the illusion of her authority. While the queen is drained of energy and oblivious to her surroundings, the advisor is gripped by fear, haunted as the mastermind behind all the lies and injustices.
The King
Surrounding the queen are other characters, such as a king resembling a log. Just like the queen, he a tool to the service of the advisor, a mere figurine in his plan.
The Officer
An obedient military officer with mechanical eyes symbolizes blind, unquestioning service. He is nothing more than a hollow shell, his black, empty eyes reflecting a complete loss of individuality.
Surrounding all these figures is the ordinary public, unawaken and caught in the cycle of routine and egoism. Each face bears a unique expression, and those who were lost in madness during life now have the chance to awaken.
The Hollow Witness
The figure to the left of the officer is grotesque and unsettling, his tongue lolling out and his bulging eyes betraying a mind lost to madness. He was a hollow being, devoid of substance – a mere fragment of selfishness and malice. In his emptiness, he was nothing more than a lifeless piece of wood. Yet, in the moment of revelation, overwhelming fear consumes him as he confronts the weight of his existence.
The Awekened Neighbor
Another character on the bottom, a peculiar, insect-like neighbor, represents an individual who lived his life doing what he thought was right. His realization of a deeper truth is a moment of profound awakening, untainted by guilt or crime.
The Blissful Outcast
A character in the bottom right, however, offers a stark contrast. Amid the fear and chaos, this joyful figure exists in blissful ignorance, yet his happiness lacks connection to the others – a commentary on isolation even within perceived joy.
Thematics
The themes of ego, selfishness, and awakening permeate the piece. Arrows on the military officer symbolize the insignia of blind allegiance, while the fish, a recurring motif, embodies dual meanings: its connection to Christianity and purity, and its role as sustenance – a reminder of consumption and integration. The presence of sexuality throughout the work highlights humanity’s struggle with base instincts and the quest for transcendence. Elements like the womb and the mouth intertwine, illustrating how earthly desires can both define and confine us.
Creating The Moment was a trance-like experience for me. As I worked, it felt as though my hand moved independently, guided by a force beyond my consciousness. This experience affirmed my artistic direction, solidifying Spectrum as my style - a fusion of intuition, emotion, and identity. Through this piece, I embraced the connection between my art, my son Gabriel’s influence, and the broader questions of existence.
