Orpheus, the Enchanter
In Greek mythology, Orpheus is a bard known for enchanting plants and animals with his music. This drawing depicts him surrounded by nonhuman beings of the Pacific Northwest, many of which the artist has cultivated specific relationships with.
Original art by Oliver Hillenkamp: ‘Orpheus, the Enchanter,’ graphite on paper, 30 x 24 inches (2024).
In Greek mythology, Orpheus is a bard who enchants humans and nonhumans alike through singing so beautifully that even the trees and stones want to follow him. He is known for journeying into the underworld, and his name may derive from ‘órphnē,’ meaning ‘darkness’ (and is also associated with the alder tree). Humans evolved out of ecological webs of relationships with, and through listening to, the voices of other beings around us; we have memory of our relational embedment. To me, this drawing focuses on the potential for humans to come into resonance with the more-than-human world. What songs do we need to sing and how do we need to listen to remember the ancient songs of the earth?
Oliver Hillenkamp (he) is an artist who seeks to take inspiration from the landscapes where he resides and the strange dreams that come from deep inside.
Europe | Western Germany
United States
Elkenmist
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