In ‘Why Y Shy?, Shaike Snir explores the concept of united opposites. Native to alchemy and Ancient Greek philosophy, the unity of opposites is synthesised in the story of Hermaphroditus (or Hermaphroditos). The child of Aphrodite and Hermes, Ovid claims that Hermaphroditus was transformed into an androgynous being after he united with the water nymph Salmacis. It is from his name that the term ‘hermaphrodite’ was born.

For the philosopher Heraclitus, Hermaphroditus’s duality as both man and woman speaks to larger truth – the law of opposites. This theory argues that the existence or identity of a thing or situation depends on its opposite. Rather than man being its own unique state, it is the inverse of woman – they are stages in the same continuum.

Drawing upon this rich philosophy, Snir presents a two-headed figure. The presence of the ‘Y’ derives from the capital Greek letter ‘upsilon’ and recalls Hermaphroditus’s transformation. Separated from its ancient origins and the unity of opposites remains pertinent. Like Goldilocks, we are all searching for what’s just right; for the harmony that is struck when opposites unite.

An Israeli-Australian artist, Snir is cited as a master printmaker the National Gallery of Australia and has collaborated with numerous renowned artists including Lin Onus and David Larwill. For collectors of screenprints and those who know opposites attract, this is the work for you.
 

Shaike SNIR (1952 - )
'Why Y Shy?'
screenprint on paper
Edition of 43
Image Size: 68 x 50 cm
Dimensions: 76 x 56 cm
Signed: Signed, titled and numbered in pencil in margin below image; bears the artist’s seal and thumb print lower centre.
Comes with Letter of Provenance
Availability: in stock
Condition:Very Good: Describes a work of art’s image As New, but may show some small signs of surrounding wear. There are no tears to paper margin or disruption to paint surface. Image is in Fine condition.
© The Artist or Assignee