Fall of Man Triptych: Three panels, each 72” x 44”; Total: 72” x 150” · Watercolour and ink on paper mounted to canvas · 2017–2023
Inspired by Michelangelo's Fall of Man (1508–1512) and the Garden of Eden narrative, this large triptych reimagines temptation, choice, and distraction in the modern human condition.
In the central panel, Adam kneels, gaze locked on one of many apples on the Tree of Life—symbols of life's temptations, which he worships. Opposite him, Eve dances with her own distractions, neither seeing the other nor the looming snake that divides them. The snake bears a skull: its mask removed, embodying raw honesty and truth—we choose not to recognize it, or each other, as life's static overwhelms us. Inscribed across Eve's leg: “I have Choice, What does it mean to have Choice?”
Below, a discarded female figure from past temptation stares outward, oblivious to the snake above, her eyes fixed on the apple she has already bitten—seeing no evil, yet trapped in its memory. Poppies spread across the forest floor, their addictive force encircling the figures in endless temptation.
The black-and-white side panels frame the scene like sculptures, depicting further sexual temptation poisoned by reaching apples and poppies. The left figure covers her ear (hears no evil); the right holds her tongue (speaks no evil). Crosses on each panel mark life's inevitable crossroads—reminders of the selfish guilt we all carry when we allow distraction to waste our potential, ignoring dangers and failing to truly acknowledge one another.
This work took four years to complete, a layered meditation on choice, denial, and the human capacity for both fall and redemption—dark yet eternally optimistic.
Inquiries welcome for acquisition, studio view, or related works: blairaiken@raincage.com