This artwork originates from the crystallization of benzoic acid (C₆H₅COOH), an aromatic carboxylic acid widely used as a food preservative (E210), antifungal agent, and chemical intermediate. It is considered a model compound in organic chemistry. Molecular Structure: Benzoic acid consists of a benzene ring (aromatic C₆H₅−) bonded to a carboxyl group(−COOH).
This molecular architecture gives the compound:
A rigid planar structure due to the π-conjugation of the aromatic ring.
Moderate acidity (pKa ≈ 4.2), resulting from resonance stabilization of the benzoate anion.
A strong ability to form hydrogen bonds through its carboxyl group.
In the solid state, benzoic acid crystallizes in the triclinic crystal system. Individual molecules pair to form symmetrical dimers through O–H···O hydrogen bonds, stabilizing the crystal lattice. Van der Waals interactions between aromatic rings, together with dipolar interactions between carboxyl groups, organize the molecules into dense yet highly directional crystal networks, sensitive to temperature, solvent polarity, and their surrounding environment.
This crystalline artwork draws inspiration from the myth of Icarus, one of the most iconic figures of Greek mythology. Son of Daedalus, Icarus attempts to escape the Labyrinth by flying with wings made of feathers and wax. Carried away by ambition, he flies too close to the Sun; the wax melts, and he falls. Traditionally interpreted as a warning against pride and excess, the myth can also be read as the symbol of a fundamental human quest: the pursuit of light, knowledge, and the absolute, despite the risk of transformation. In this piece, the impulse of Icarus seems embedded within the crystal itself. Feather-like structures, explosive radial patterns, and broken symmetries evoke a dazzling ascent followed by collapse. Yet at the center of this apparent disorder, one form remains intact, like the lingering trace of consciousness after the fall. The Fall of Icarus ultimately crystallizes the moment when a system reaches its critical point. It gives visual form to a universal tension: the desire to transcend limits confronted by the forces that inevitably pull us back to Earth. Yet within the fall, something remains, a clear gaze, an awakened consciousness, capable of learning, transforming, and rising again.
Title: The Fall of Icarus
Chemical Material: Benzoic acid (C₆H₅COOH)
Medium: High-definition print on premium Aluminum Dibond.
Finish: Gloss surface delivering exceptional resolution, vibrant colors, and outstanding detail.
Material: Lightweight, rigid, and highly durable aluminum composite panel.
Durability: Scratch-resistant, UV-resistant, and moisture-resistant for long-lasting preservation.
Mounting: Integrated floating rail hanging system included for elegant wall display.
Authenticity: Each artwork is individually numbered and accompanied by a signed Certificate of Authenticity.
This artwork originates from the crystallization of benzoic acid (C₆H₅COOH), an aromatic carboxylic acid widely used as a food preservative (E210), antifungal agent, and chemical intermediate. It is considered a model compound in organic chemistry. Molecular Structure: Benzoic acid consists of a benzene ring (aromatic C₆H₅−) bonded to a carboxyl group(−COOH).
This molecular architecture gives the compound:
A rigid planar structure due to the π-conjugation of the aromatic ring.
Moderate acidity (pKa ≈ 4.2), resulting from resonance stabilization of the benzoate anion.
A strong ability to form hydrogen bonds through its carboxyl group.
In the solid state, benzoic acid crystallizes in the triclinic crystal system. Individual molecules pair to form symmetrical dimers through O–H···O hydrogen bonds, stabilizing the crystal lattice. Van der Waals interactions between aromatic rings, together with dipolar interactions between carboxyl groups, organize the molecules into dense yet highly directional crystal networks, sensitive to temperature, solvent polarity, and their surrounding environment.
This crystalline artwork draws inspiration from the myth of Icarus, one of the most iconic figures of Greek mythology. Son of Daedalus, Icarus attempts to escape the Labyrinth by flying with wings made of feathers and wax. Carried away by ambition, he flies too close to the Sun; the wax melts, and he falls. Traditionally interpreted as a warning against pride and excess, the myth can also be read as the symbol of a fundamental human quest: the pursuit of light, knowledge, and the absolute, despite the risk of transformation. In this piece, the impulse of Icarus seems embedded within the crystal itself. Feather-like structures, explosive radial patterns, and broken symmetries evoke a dazzling ascent followed by collapse. Yet at the center of this apparent disorder, one form remains intact, like the lingering trace of consciousness after the fall. The Fall of Icarus ultimately crystallizes the moment when a system reaches its critical point. It gives visual form to a universal tension: the desire to transcend limits confronted by the forces that inevitably pull us back to Earth. Yet within the fall, something remains, a clear gaze, an awakened consciousness, capable of learning, transforming, and rising again.
Title: The Fall of Icarus
Chemical Material: Benzoic acid (C₆H₅COOH)
Medium: High-definition print on premium Aluminum Dibond.
Finish: Gloss surface delivering exceptional resolution, vibrant colors, and outstanding detail.
Material: Lightweight, rigid, and highly durable aluminum composite panel.
Durability: Scratch-resistant, UV-resistant, and moisture-resistant for long-lasting preservation.
Mounting: Integrated floating rail hanging system included for elegant wall display.
Authenticity: Each artwork is individually numbered and accompanied by a signed Certificate of Authenticity.
