Today would have been my father’s 79th birthday. He passed away about four months ago.

I painted this from a picture that shows my father holding me as a baby. When I got older, he used to describe the feeling he had when he held me like this. He would gesture with his hands how small I was and how much he enjoyed holding me.

About ten years ago his life drastically changed and he needed gradually more and more care. During those years I was the one who provided his care or who was responsible for it.

This painting is about the circle of my father taking care for me as a baby, and me taking care of him when he grew older. I tried to give the painting the tender atmosphere that I feel when I think of this life cycle.

The snake biting its tail is called the Ouroboros. It’s an ancient symbol that is used in many cultures and religions and was also used by alchemists. For me it represents this cyclicality between my father and me. But it also a symbol for the eternal cycle of life, death and renewal. I painted it in copper metallic paint, which reflects the light but is difficult to scan, so it looks brownish on screen.

I am not sure if this painting is finished. It is finished for now, but maybe I will add some more details later. Or maybe this is exactly how it is supposed to be — not finished, not unfinished.

Ciao babbo.

Ouroboros (ciao babbo), mixed media (acrylic paint and colored pencil) on canvas board. Size: 24 x 30 cm (9.4 x 11.8 inch).