The Truth Within

Whether or not you believe in the soul or the psyche, everyone has an inner truth that guides their perception of the world around them

Springing from deep within, this inner knowing is also the home of self-discovery. For The Truth Within, an upcoming show at RJD Gallery, six artists explored that deeply personal place and share their findings through paint.

Jhina Alvarado’s painting, Ella, depicts a girl in the Garden of Eden. She is embraced by the loveliness of the natural world but much like in the biblical garden, something sinister pervades the scene. “Beauty, to me, does not exist without danger,” says Alvarado. “While the girl in this painting is beautiful and surrounded by beauty, there is the snake to remind her that you can’t ignore the truth within, because danger is always lurking and in wait.”

Yana Movchan also explores the light and dark sides of existence through similar symbolism, while emphasizing our freedom to choose which side we want to be on. Her painting Freedom of Choice shows a lovely maiden enveloped by beauty, save the writhing snake coiling around her. “Sometimes it is difficult to understand and things can be twisted,” she says. “The snake is the dark part of ourselves, which can tempt you. The Lady is clear and strong. My wish is for everyone to stay within the light.”