Marcin Wilk, Pazyfae, 2025

Pasyphae — Mother of the Minotaur. A woman whose passion for a bull—imposed by the gods—gave rise to one of the most extraordinary myths. The monster born of this union continues to fascinate and terrify to this day, serving as a symbol of both punishment and unbridled lust. In the painting, Pasiphae holds a closed jar in her hands. Through the glass, she gazes into the depths of the vessel, though it appears to be empty. What does she see? Is it a reflection of her own desires, the shadow of her monstrous son, or perhaps a void that cannot be filled? The woman’s hair is tied with a bright ribbon—a simple, almost mundane sign of everyday life. It contrasts with the weight of myth, as if to suggest that even in an ordinary gesture lies an echo of divine judgments. Here, the jar becomes a metaphor for mystery—closed off, yet present. Invisible, yet dominant. For the myth of Pasiphaë is not just about a monster—it is about human/animal passion that cannot be tamed or confined within any vessel.