The Phoenix (tribute to Sinead ò Connor) by Vincenzo Cohen (Original Painting)

Painting born as a tribute to the Irish singer Sinead ò Connor. The artwork represents the singer in the place of the Phoenix that rises from its ashes. In the Egyptian religion, the Phoenix was associated with the cult of the sun and considered a true deity in the shape of an eagle with a brilliant golden plumage and a melodious cry. Historically the first mention of the Phoenix is found in the Bible, in the book of the Exodus. According to the tradition every 500 years the Phoenix built a nest over a tree using balsamic plants, lay on it and waited to be burned by the rays of the sun. Then, when she died, she rose from the ashes. The Phoenix was then adopted by many cultures to represent rebirth and life after death. In the painting the singer is represented in the form of a fantastic being emerging from the flames for her communicative power. For the realization the artist was inspired from a frame from the videos of the song “Troy” where the singer identifies herself in the Phoenix rising into the fire of creation. Sinead O’ Connor in fact has been one of the greatest voices in the rock-pop scene of the last fifty years. His unique style, alternative, innovative and refined, accompanied by a deep voice have made him the symbol of the musical protest. After numerous dramatic events in her life the singer passed away under mysterious circumstances becoming not only a symbol of rebellion but also of human suffering, the incommunicability of those who suffer, of a fragile and delicate existence that redeems itself through music, of a force that has the power to rise and communicate over time for its strong social impact.