ABRACADABRA II

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

ABRACADABRA II

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