Sport (2016)

"Taurokathapsia (Bull-leaping)"

Natan opened a new page in her work in creating her sport cycle. Painting in a cycle comes naturally to her, as she always paints and even thinks in series, no matter the theme. All of these series are simultaneously emotional, symbolic, metaphoric, and mythological.

In one way or another, in all Natan's works there are age-old archetypes, but on her canvas, they seem like something brand new, perhaps based on ancient styles, but executed in a new way.

One important example of such a rejuvenated archetype is "taurokathapsia" - the ritual leaping over a bull. The hyper-monad of the first being, capable of physical manifestation, is embodied in the near-forgotten term "taurokathapsia"; it is man's competition with a bull.

In "Taurokathapsia" one finds much of the epic, which is expounded upon in the following text.

The zoomorphic heavens breathe energy into bulls.

Chaos willfully streams into the space from above.

It was so in Egypt, Nivea, and other such worlds.

Knossian art is the key to understanding thought.

Bull, man, and play.

As communion.

As initiation.

As coming to god.

Or to gods.

Or to the messengers of the gods.

Or to their incarnation.

A calling as a path to the boundaries given us by nature.

One can run.

Or jump.

Throw a discus or spear afar.

Or go into battle and stand against equals.

But behind any of this always hides taurokathapsia.

Or the battle with the bull.

Nay, not battle.

Play.

Where everything is on the line.

Higher, faster, stronger.

The bull is the shadow of being or the symbol of the desire to conquer.

Text: Yuri Luchinski

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