The painting “Seven Seeds of Fading Time” by Dmytro Baryshev is a profound reflection on the transience of life and the transformation of the material world. Destruction and renewal are intertwined here with the depiction of characters whose elongated, thin, fluid figures, and mosaic structure evoke processes of aging and time. These elements symbolize the inevitable changes that occur on both physical and spiritual levels.
 
At the center of the composition is a dish symbolizing a sunflower—a sign of life’s cyclicity. The seeds on the dish represent the birth of new beginnings, reminding us of the endless cycle of nature. Geometric shapes in the background create a sense of space beyond the familiar perception of time, emphasizing its fluidity and connection to alchemical symbols.
 
The number seven, sacred and associated with completeness and spiritual perfection, refers to the seven life cycles and stages of time. The seven fingers of the characters correspond to the seven seeds, emphasizing the role of hands as tools that “sow” and “harvest” the seeds of time, participating in the process of life and death. The horizontally flipped figure eight, symbolizing infinity, appears in the form of eight fingers, pointing to a supernatural ability to transform and shape reality. The unequal number of fingers on different hands highlights the imbalance and asymmetry inherent in human existence, provoking thoughts on how unevenly time distributes its gifts and losses.
 
The clock face of the table, depicted as a circle, symbolizes the cyclicality of life and the endless repetition of time. The table, associated with feasting, is reinterpreted here as a metaphor for contemplating how people use the time allotted to them and how it ultimately “consumes” them.
 
The hourglass, one of the oldest symbols of time, reflects its continuous flow, cycles, and transitions. The thin partition between the upper and lower sections of the hourglass symbolizes the fragility of human life and the fleeting nature of moments. The hourglass unites two states—accumulation and loss—symbolizing the transition from the physical to the spiritual and eternal, harmonizing with the transcendent forms of the characters in the painting.
 
Through his unique artistic vision, Dmytro Baryshev combines deep symbolism with masterful technique, creating a work that invites viewers to immerse themselves in philosophical contemplation and explore the profound connection between time, life, and transformation.