Digital composite, 2010.
From the Dogma series.
© Graeme Hindmarsh, 2010.

Based on the Greek myth of Theseus and the Minotaur, scholars, artists, poets and musicians have used this story for millennia as a metaphor for the internal struggle between instinct and enlightenment. Classically, the story was usually represented as Theseus in the act of slaying the beast – altruism heroically prevailing. In this version I’ve chosen to illustrate the moment when the protagonists meet. Theseus has entered the labyrinth with a single purpose – he is armed and ready. The Minotaur is caught completely unaware. It doesn’t end well for the hapless creature and, after the deed, Theseus and Ariadne, his girlfriend and accomplice, fled to the island of Naxos where, in classical Greek tradition, it all ended tragically!

This was a difficult piece to realise, not only technically, but also artistically. I wanted to convey the dark and claustrophobic nature of the labyrinth and the strength and steely resolve of the hero Theseus. Depicting the Minotaur brought its own challenges – a beast with the head and tail of his father, a white bull sent by the gods, who was imprisoned in a maze almost devoid of light and fed on human flesh. Conceptually, I wanted to portray the act of confronting our own inner beasts or demons – whether we are as successful as Theseus in our own personal struggles, is another matter!

Awards
The Beast Within – Theseus and the Minotaur has received the following awards
Featured Layered Up
Featured Inspired Art

Credits
Stock images were used in the creation of this work and are used under licence from the following photographers
Diego Barucco
Janetto
Ed Phillips
Maxfx
Noam Armonn
Matt Ragen
Gabi Moisa
Aleksandar Todorovic
All other photography and graphic elements © Graeme Hindmarsh, 2010.

This work can also be viewed on my Bubblesite.