Ulysses #001 ‘Close to the Sun’

🔴 SOLD

Ulysses #001 – The First Colour

The first colour James Joyce introduces in Ulysses is yellow—“a yellow dressing gown.” A striking choice, as yellow symbolises both optimism and caution. It is the colour of sunlight, intellect, and creative energy, yet too much of it can signal a warning. Perhaps Joyce was subtly preparing the reader for the complex journey ahead.

Inspired by this pivotal first page, Ulysses #001 is layered with golden hues, deep ochres, and textured brushstrokes that reflect both the warmth of sunlight and the weight of history. The bold marks echo the structure of a book’s pages, symbolising the beginning of Joyce’s masterpiece.

At the heart of this piece lies the spirit of Stephen Dedalus, Joyce’s introspective protagonist. His name, a reference to Daedalus of Greek mythology—the legendary craftsman and father of Icarus—infuses the work with deeper meaning. Just as Daedalus constructed the labyrinth of Crete, Joyce constructs a literary labyrinth in Ulysses, and this painting captures that sense of complexity and ambition.

Created in July 2022, the artwork also draws inspiration from the Hungarian summer landscape, where towering sunflowers surrounded the artist’s home. Their golden vibrance, a symbol of growth and resilience, is woven into the composition, illuminating the piece with a sense of light and movement.

A statement artwork, Ulysses #001 is both intricate and bold—a tribute to literature, mythology, and the enduring power of colour.