Ole Aakjær: MIRROR / RORRIM

In Staring Into A Mirror, a woman gazing out at the viewer is adorned with the branches of Japanese maple trees and the outstretched wings of ivory cranes. These symbols hold a rich history in ancient Chinese and Japanese art, representing peace, longevity, beauty and prosperity. In The Daughter Of All Good, a woman stands with her hands behind her back, a gesture of acquiescence, introspection, patience, restraint, or possibly concealment. She bears the markings of a kingfisher bird in flight — another popular symbol in Asian art — representing peace, prosperity, youth and elegance, or love. Nearby is a skull, an almost universal symbol in art for the cycle of life and human mortality. Over her face is the imprint of a ticking clock, a reminder of the passage of time.