Monotaste, oil on canvas, 58x78cm, 2025
My grandfather was diagnosed with Parkinson’s later in life, a turning point that affected him both physically and mentally. One surreal side effect of his medication was that everything he ate tasted like mango. This constant, inescapable flavor slowly erased the simple pleasure of eating; something that used to be a sensory experience deeply tied to memory and comfort, turned into a chore. Only when taste is lost does its importance truly become visible.
In this work, I depict my grandfather seated in a world completely overtaken by mango, a reality in which there is no escape from this altered perception. The overwhelming presence of the fruit becomes a metaphor for his internal struggle, illustrating how neurological changes can distort everyday life. The work reflects on the loss of sensory joy and how this affects mental health, and one’s connection to the world. Through this work, the symbolism of the mango depicts both the absurdity and tragedy of 'Monotaste'.