Gateway

This painting uses symbolism to explore the tension between the outward appearance of knowledge and the active pursuit of it. The grand library with columns and rows of books poses a question.  Are the books unopened, just facades, or are they the path to enlightenment?   The library is a collection of human intellect and the accumulated wisdom of generations. The viewer is challenged to consider whether the beauty of the library and the presence of books are enough, or whether the path to true enlightenment requires the act of reading and engagement symbolized by the radiant arch.