Salome

In my telling of Salome the focus is set on the relationship between Salome and John the Baptist and what it means for their collective downfall. Salome is seen as unearthly and ethereal in the eyes of those around her, they are drawn to her addictive presence. Yet any male who rotates around her eventually comes to an end. John the Baptist refuses to look upon Salome or acknowledge her strange beauty; leading him to also be perceived as a symbol of pale purity in Salome's eyes.

 

Salomes longing for John's gaze and his refusal to return it begins her journey towards the dance of death. She is familiar with having her unearthly allure be met by those around her. Johns decision not to do so forces her to see the gaze he also holds. There cannot be two orbits in the same world, ultimately leading Salome to make the choice to become the only one. 

 

I used color, texture, and various detail elements to visually show the juxtaposition from Salome and John between the other characters in the story. While also showcasing the journey that Salome experiences from the ivory symbol of purity to her intense crimson demise.