Embrace of the Divine

In "Embrace of the Divine" (2023) Ruby offers a visceral representation of femininity and protection. This piece captures the duality of vulnerability and strength inherent in the human form, using the torso as a canvas for exploration and storytelling. The deep reds at the top convey a sense of vitality and passion, cascading into the gentle embrace of the paper hands, which seem to guard and cherish the painted figure within. The addition of string suggests the complex ties that bind our physical and spiritual selves, a tethering of identity to the body.

Ruby's use of her own body as a paintbrush imparts a raw intimacy to the work, the silhouette of her form an echo of personal narrative. The hands that cover and cradle the lower torso are a profound statement on consent, self-love, and the sacredness of one's own body. They are both a shield and a revelation, symbolizing the multifaceted nature of self-identity and the hands of society that seek to both hide and highlight our most intimate parts.

This artwork engages the viewer in a dialogue about the female experience, autonomy, and the power found within self-definition and self-expression. Ruby transforms the canvas into a space where the corporeal and societal converge, inviting contemplation on the sanctity of the body as a temple and the many hands that shape our perception of it.