“By Their Fruits You Will Know Them”

At the heart of the work are Christ’s words from the Sermon on the Mount: “By their fruits you will know them” (Matthew 7:16). The tree becomes a metaphor for human life, whose true nature is revealed not by outward appearance, but by what it produces. The circular composition presents a single tree of human life containing two opposing states. One side is abundant with heavy, mature fruit — a symbol of what is born within a person and revealed through their actions. A fruit is no longer an intention or promise; it is a visible result. The other side remains green and alive, filled with movement, insects and delicate webs, yet bears no fruit. This suggests that one can be active, visible and constantly moving while remaining spiritually barren. The web introduces a darker, almost predatory note — an image of illusion, entanglement and endless movement without purpose. Movement itself is not necessarily a sign of a fruitful life.