Hercules

Title: Hercules

Materials: wood, paint, animal bone, jewelry, aluminum, plastic, rope

Hercules is a fantastical spaceship that merges ancient Greek mythology with modern architectural and artistic styles. Drawing inspiration from the myth of Hercules, the ship incorporates sculptures, reliefs, and architectural elements throughout its design, blending Gothic and Byzantine aesthetics. Its structure features statues of key mythological figures, such as Athena, Prometheus, and Chiron, each becoming a different part of the building. At the base, a cast aluminum relief depicts the 12 Labors of Hercules, focusing on the Hesperides and the golden apples, portrayed as a mural surrounded by jewels.

The overall form of the spaceship is influenced by futurism and modern aircraft carrier blueprints, resulting in a dynamic pentagonal layout that balances mobility with usable space. This design evokes the grandeur of classical architecture while incorporating elements like arches and radial outlines to ensure the craft’s cohesive look.

The metaphor of the demigod hero Hercules holds a deeply personal meaning. It was my last dance at the end of college, encountering the peak of uncertainty about the future. The radial tension within the design represents both a desire for battle and a testament to the end to balance the challenge and loneliness of reality through an ambitious, immersive mythological journey. Inspired by works such as Castle in the Sky, the city in Battle Angel Alita, and the gravity metaphor in Thus Spoke Zarathustra, the anti-gravity characteristic of my spaceship serves as spiritual sustenance.