Olympia 1983

Frank Mason's 'Olympia' presents us with a gathering of nude figures, reminiscent of classical nymphs, set against a backdrop that evokes both Edenic paradise and classical antiquity. The apple tree, heavy with fruit, is an ancient symbol of temptation and knowledge, harking back to the fall of man but also the promise of wisdom. Consider Titian's "Venus Anadyomene" where a similar gesture of wringing out hair is seen. The act of cleansing and renewal carries the weight of centuries. The motif of the reclining nude, here partially veiled, recalls the tradition of the goddess Venus, evoking themes of beauty, desire, and fertility. Yet, this image is not merely a copy; it is a transformation. Each element echoes through time, a cultural memory that resurfaces in new forms, forever engaging our subconscious.