ABRACADABRA I

This painting features the iconic yet often misunderstood word...

ABRACADABRA I

This painting features the iconic yet often misunderstood word “ABRACADABRA,” historically used as an incantation to ward off dis-ease as early as the second century AD. Its roots lie in the Aramaic phrase “avra kehdabra”—translated as “I will create as I speak”—which later became linked to magic and manifestation.

I painted the word in its traditional triangular form, each line dropping one letter from the end, until only a single “A” remains. The intention is twofold: to echo the ancient belief that repetition dissolves illness and restores ease, and to activate the original essence of the word—that our voices are instruments of creation. Speaking is a spell, a wand, a way to shape reality.

Part of the series "Mantras"

Hubby’s broad range of text-based work in the Mantras series shares the use of positive, aspirational verbiage, which aim to uplevel attitudes and behavior. They are both a physical manifestation and a passive sender of experience dependent neuroplasticity, changing neural pathways through positive reinforcement.

Original artwork by Bettina Hubby

Flashe Acrylic on Linen

13" x 13"

2021