The Alchemist, 2023
48” x 48”
Paper Mosaic, Pure Copper, Papyrus,
24k Gold Leaf on Canvas

Original: SOLD

The Alchemist
by Jennia Fredrique Aponte

My 4ft x 4ft collage of Stevie Wonder is an ode to a powerful creator aptly named "The Alchemist." Within this ethereal creation, the realms of spirituality and artistry intertwine like revelations chronicled in the book The Alchemist.

I drew inspiration from the songs "The Secret Life Of Plants," "Another Star," and "I Can Only Be Me". I wove a narrative using the language of music sheets, the boundless expanse of the cosmos, Egyptian papyrus, the gentle whispers of nature with birds, the transformative embrace of butterflies, and the mystical dance of astrology. The backdrop, a tapestry of Braille-embossed pages from "The Alchemist," transcends the mere physical, inviting us to read between the lines, to decipher the universal language of destiny.

I chose to depict Stevie in the 1970’s, the time in which he wrote my favorite album “Songs in the Key of Life”. His beautiful Afro is composed of a darkened sky and stars in outer space. Stevie dons a colorful hat filled with imagery from nature and the cosmos.

Stevie is crowned by a pure 24k gold leaf halo, a perfect 33 inches in diameter, mirroring the pulsating heartbeat of records at 33 bpm. As copper, the elemental embodiment of Taurus, takes form in the guise of Stevie's iconic eyewear, we glimpse a sacred reflection in his glasses. The reflection in his glasses transcends the earthly realm, casting Stevie high above our planet, for he is a being of elevated dimensions so high that he doesn’t need glasses to see. In "The Alchemist," within the silent language of Braille, amid celestial melodies and astral whispers, we find Stevie's essence, transcending time and space, a true alchemist in the symphony of existence.

ORDER A PRINT

About the Artist

Jennia Fredrique Aponte, a visual artist based in Los Angeles, has been perfecting her paper mosaic skills since her childhood days. With a passion for paper and collage, Jennia's mother gave her an exacto knife when she was just 10 years old, which further fueled her love for the art form.

With a strong foundation in the arts, Jennia began her journey as a dancer, actor, and filmmaker. Drawing on her background in movement and storytelling, she expertly infuses her love of paper to create collages that are a true reflection of her diverse passions. Jennia's approach is distinct in that she incorporates dancers into her work, using their artistry to tell stories that transcend beyond the physical realm and challenge viewers to delve deeper into the meaning behind her art. Her passion for paper is evident through her use of unique materials, including Egyptian papyrus and pure gold leaf, that she collects from all over the world. Rather than creating new materials, Jennia takes existing pieces and skillfully transforms them into an innovative art form that speaks to her unique creative vision.

IG: @jenniafredrique