The Fall of ICARUS

Icarus is one of the myths that resonate assiduously, from the classical period, through renaissance and enlightenment, until our days. Vivid representations and evocations populate the visual arts, poetry, literature and, even in modern times, the psychology, anthropology or philosophy. The myth is modified and repeated with constancy, generating numerous versions of history and possible interpretations, however, we could highlight the following: 1. The punishment of the proud / disobedience. 2. The dangers of the creative genius that defies the "natural laws". 3. The heroism, courage and the desire to excel despite their risks. 4. Idealism and truncated illusions (in the most modern times). However, in this new representation, I have been mainly moved by a concrete exegesis that has accompanied me since childhood, and that serves as a metaphorical basis established between individual freedom and balance. The importance of moderation (“medén ágan"), meaning the balance in all aspects of life, to follow the path of personal and intellectual growth, as well as the pursuit of emotional balance, as a way to knowledge and personal and social development. After the “gnóthi seautón” (“Know thyself”) or introspection, It’s generated the strength and confidence derived from it. The balance becomes then, an absolute necessity. The recall of paying attention to one's own path through balance ensures the constancy of results. The freedom derived from knowledge gives us "wings" but these are fragile as is freedom itself, its constant care is necessary. Flying is the feat, the gratitude for what has been achieved places us in that awareness of the need for continuous balance in the existential flight. It is essential to know that near the sun, the wings melt and the fall can be fatal, and at the same time, that too low, the moisture breaks the wax of the wings, and likewise, leads us to the end. The balance is what will make us enjoy the flight and stay in the air, in the heights. In the same way that the Stoics evoked the idea of "death" to value life, being aware of the risks of our actions helps us to discern the appropriate path. The Greco-Roman mythology and the diverse cultural uses derived, from my perspective and in my experience, can provide an inspiration and understanding of the bases of the culture, the human psyche, the social fabric, its organisation and possibilities. The traditional myth can be the basis for new creations that explain or give way to past and new realities that involve us in the present. In general, mythology is based on allegory and has a universalising purpose when speaking of human experience. In this particular Myth, when talking about balance, courage, freedom or creativity does not speak of the experience of a young Athenian man and his father, but of the human being in all its extension, that is why this experience transcends the differences of race or gender, and that is the reason for this particular chosen representation. +INFO: https://beatrizglezsa.com/thefalloficarus/