Push - Mac Miller

36"x48" Oil Paint on Birch

This painting, titled Push, features the late hip-hop artist Mac Miller, capturing a poignant and layered narrative of indulgence, mortality, and the interplay of human and technological legacy. The central figure is depicted biting into a vivid red apple, a direct symbol of the forbidden fruit, representing excess, knowledge, and the consequences of overindulgence. This act evokes both his personal story and a broader commentary on the fragile balance between creative genius and self-destructive tendencies.

The apple, with its iconic bite, also cleverly ties to the Apple logo—a nod to Mac Miller's name and a reflection on technology’s role in immortalizing artists. This subtle yet profound detail hints at the possibility of revival or extended legacy through technological means, suggesting a form of modern immortality as memories, music, and personas are preserved in the digital age.

Coiled around him is a snake, its body intertwined with a vibrant, futuristic temple-like structure. The serpent, a traditional symbol of temptation and transformation, takes on a dual role, simultaneously representing danger and rebirth. The merging of organic and mechanical elements further underscores the theme of humanity’s evolving relationship with technology—its power to both preserve and consume.

The setting is rich with patterns and symbolism: a vibrant peacock radiates from above, its fan of feathers forming a mandala that suggests cycles of life, death, and renewal. The background's intricate geometry and psychedelic hues create an otherworldly atmosphere, blending sacred and modern imagery to deepen the story. Flanking the central figure are technological panels and geometric shapes, reinforcing the intersection of natural and synthetic, creation and destruction.

This painting masterfully weaves together Mac Miller’s legacy, his struggles, and the broader human story of grappling with temptation, knowledge, and the pursuit of immortality in an age defined by technology. It is a deeply moving tribute to a life cut short and a meditation on how we continue to live on through the creations we leave behind.

::Includes Certificate of Provenance::