Keep on breathing 

Fernanda Suarez painted this artwork, “Keep on Breathing”, in the 20th century. The swirling, almost violent, movement of the water dominates the background, mirroring the dark patterns that seem to rise from the figure’s form. Water is one of the primordial symbols of life and death. It's a motif that carries the weight of centuries, reminiscent of the Greek philosopher Thales, who saw water as the origin of all things. We see it again and again – in baptismal rites, a symbol of purification, and in the myth of Ophelia, swallowed by the river. Here, the water may represent the subconscious mind, a tempest of emotions and memories threatening to engulf the individual. This interplay between the figure and the fluid evokes deep, subconscious anxieties. The act of ‘keeping on breathing’ becomes a defiant act against this relentless force, a symbol of resilience. It’s a powerful image, engaging us on a visceral level, reminding us of the cyclical nature of life, death, and rebirth.