Daughter of the Air

Year: 2022-2023
Artist: Gwenan Walker
University: University Of Southern California
Major: I Am A Double Major (Animation And Human Biology) With A Minor In Marine Science
Title: Daughter of the Air
Tags: Goddess
Genre/Medium: Gouache, Watercolor
Category: digital still
Current Location: Digital Only
Description: Daughter of the Air was meant as a piece that explored Psyche’s mythological story in conjunction with that of Hans Christian Anderson’s Little Mermaid, as well as the significance that the structure of the Psyche asteroid has when compared to the earth’s own core. In the original story, the Little Mermaid’s ascension to become human concludes with her transformation into a Daughter of the Air, as a way to earn her soul as a spirit wandering the earth performing good deeds. Since life is believed to have originated from hydrothermal vents that are fueled by the heat from the earth’s core, the ascension of Psyche in this painting is meant to depict humanity’s evolution and ascension into space from the early beginnings of life, coming full circle to explore objects like Psyche that could potentially inform us about the formation of the earth and all that came after.
Artwork Link: https://psyche.asu.edu/gallery/daughter-of-the-air/