one step before happiness

In the desolate tableau of this world, the mountains stand as the forgotten dominion once presided over by the gods of old. These towering giants were once revered as the seats of ancient Greek deities, their peaks touching the heavens and forming a bridge between mortal realms and celestial abodes. Once, they were praised for their majestic grandeur and awe-inspiring beauty, an homage to divine craftsmanship.

Yet, in this era of desolation, the mountains have been transformed into grim symbols of mankind's struggle against a harsh and uncaring cosmos. The divine reverence that once graced them has twisted, their slopes now seen as punishments inflicted by vengeful gods upon errant souls. The sacred mountains, once associated with spiritual transcendence, are now a stark reminder of exile and torment.

In this world bereft of piety, even mountain tourism has succumbed to the relentless march of time. Thrill-seekers, embodying the spirit of hubris, embark on treacherous journeys up the slopes, seeking to conquer what was once the realm of gods. The arduous climb, fraught with danger and unpredictable weather, is a testament to their defiance and the audacity of humanity.

Yet, this conquest of the mountains comes at an immense price. The delicate ecosystems, once nurtured by the benevolence of divine beings, crumble under the weight of mortal ambition. The mountains, turned into commodities in this dystopian reality, are ravaged and exploited for profit, a sacrilege against the very essence of their former divine purpose.

In this bleak tapestry of arrogance and folly, the mountains' symbolism serves as a harrowing reminder. They speak of the perils we face when we challenge nature, when we seek to dominate and plunder. The gods, though silent, leave an ominous lesson in their wake—that our actions bear consequences, and our hubris could lead to the annihilation of the beauty and majesty bestowed upon this world.

And within this melancholic narrative, Jorge da Cruz's series, "One Step Before Happiness," emerges as a poignant reflection of humanity's strife. Through charcoal's monochromatic lens, da Cruz masterfully unveils the tragedy of our age—a visual elegy that echoes the solemn warning etched by the mountains. Each stroke is a testament to our potential for redemption, urging us to heed the call to preserve and protect, and to rediscover the reverence for a world once graced by divine benevolence. (read more)

Glaciar– “one step before happiness”-Privat collection••••Coal on craft paper – 12X29cmx20cm••• #Bethanien