Burnout

This painting creates a dark yet haunting atmosphere. In the center of the picture is a figure sitting on a chair with a burning head. This flame represents a symbolic representation of inner conflicts, emotions and a mental state such as intense inspiration, anger and despair.
The burning head represents mental exhaustion, stress and inner struggle. The figure is still trying to catch the liquid wax in its hands, which indicates helplessness or resignation. The fire represents a type of sacrifice or purification in which the person gives up something of themselves in order to change or renew themselves. The dark tones in the background and the light source, which appears to come from the flame alone, emphasize a feeling of loneliness and introspection. The depiction points to social expectations that overwhelm the individual. The blazing fire symbolizes the increasing demands that lead to a “consuming” of one’s own identity. The image speaks a universal language of pain, reflection and change.