Crab Nebula by Laura Thipphawong

Laura Thipphawong's Website and Instagram

Based in Toronto, Canada

Crab Nebula, Oil on Canvas, 2024, 24x24

Many of my paintings are informed by studies of natural history and people’s relationship to animals, specifically as allegorical and symbolic figures meant to illuminate an understanding of ourselves.

The Crab Nebula is one of the most well-known remains of a supernova, known to have been discovered in 1054. The name of the nebula came from a sort of Rorschachian interpretation by William Parsons, the third Earl of Rosse, and an astronomer, who drew the nebula based on the image perceived through his telescope in 1844. Lord Rosse thought that it resembled the body and legs of a crustacean. 

I find the crab's symbolism to be a perfect fit for a celestial body, especially a supernova, as the crab is often intuitively representative of adaptability, personal evolution, and transformation through growth. But symbolism aside, I have simply always been fascinated by nautical imagery, including and sometimes especially the image of the crab. I love the way they scuttle, the bizarre way they eat, and their funny little faces. I'm drawn to the sci-fi and Lovecraftian configuration of their bodies, the beauty of their colours and the absurdity of their form.

This painting is part of a series called Terra Incognita, a subversive exploration of anthropocentrism throughout cultural history in celebration of the unknown and uncontrollable elements within the natural world, and exploring themes of biodiversity, extinction and extirpation, resiliency, and interconnectedness.

Installation shots at Gagné Contemporary, 401 Richmond St W, Toronto

Photos by Dean Tomlinson Photography

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