“Ascending Angel” by Juan Mira

For centuries, the image of the ascending angel has captured the imaginations of artists, symbolizing peace, transcendence, and spiritual ascension. Both Peter Max and Juan Mira have explored this timeless subject, each with a unique interpretation, yet sharing the same title: “Ascending Angel.” While Max’s version is steeped in his signature pop art style, brimming with bold, expressive colors and a whimsical sense of motion, Mira offers a refined take, blending elements of realism into the vibrant composition.

Juan Mira’s “Ascending Angel” immediately distinguishes itself by introducing a realistic touch to what could have been a purely pop art painting. The overall refinement in Mira’s work begins with a more intricately defined head and feet. Unlike Max’s more stylized depiction, Mira’s angel has a serene, peaceful face, eyes closed in blind faith, embodying a calm ascent toward heaven. Her feet, painted with realistic detail, dangle limply, suggesting both relaxation and motion, enhancing the sense of her effortless journey toward the afterlife.

True to his style, Mira also weaves symbols and allegory throughout the piece. In this version, the angel rises from her grave, marked by a cross that angles upward, mirroring her ascent. This detail, which Max had loosely suggested, is more fully realized in Mira’s vision, lending a solemn depth to the story of her departure from earthly life. Her wings are gracefully spread, adding to the sense of peace that permeates the painting.

Mira also pays homage to Max’s original imagery with a glowing halo and light above the angel’s head, but he expands on these elements. The halo becomes a cloud, subtly blending into the sky, while a larger, more defined pond adds to the landscape, grounding the ethereal with a touch of nature. This balance between pop art and realism is a hallmark of Mira’s work, providing layers of meaning and inviting closer inspection.

One of the most intriguing elements of Mira’s “Ascending Angel” is the sense that the viewer, like the angel, is suspended in the air. While it’s obvious that the angel ascends above the viewer, Mira adds a subtle perspective shift that suggests the observer, too, is floating above the ground, perhaps sharing in the spiritual journey.

In Juan Mira’s hands, “Ascending Angel” becomes more than a visual homage to Peter Max’s original; it is a thoughtful exploration of spirituality, serenity, and the delicate intersection of pop art and realism. Mira’s refined approach adds depth and dimension, creating a painting that not only celebrates the transcendence of the angel but also invites viewers to reflect on their own ascent into the unknown.