ANTIQUITY BLUE

“Nothing is softer or more flexible than water,  yet nothing can resist it.” Lao Tzu

Growing up near the Vaal River, Madeleine Travers developed an innate captivation with water, which holds a significant place in her art as a timeless symbol. Her "Swimmers" series metaphorically represents the intersection of internal and external worlds, exploring what happens where these two realms meet.

In this series, Travers underscores the importance of identity and belonging. Her works celebrate uniqueness, suggesting that water connects us to ourselves and the world around us. Just as swimmers float weightlessly, our minds enter a semi-meditative state called "drifting" when being near water. In this state, we can delve into our emotional and subconscious depths, seeking answers about our identity and our place in humanity.

Travers portrays swimmers against backdrops of copper or silver leaf, symbolizing the subconscious mind. It’s interplay with light evoke a dream-like world of introspection. Through her artworks, Travers encourages viewers to contemplate their sense of self-identity. She believes that when we accept ourselves unconditionally, without seeking approval or comparing ourselves to others, we unlock incredible power within us which can befit modern society greatly.