Turquoise: Magic This #PrideMonth, we're sharing artworks inspired by the rainbow flag. Today we look at Turquoise, symbolizing Magic. “What has always struck me (and everyone else) about the subject of alchemy is its bizarre approach to expressing science through art. This Matthäus Merian engraving is no exception. In the original myth, Hermaphroditus is simply the offspring of the god Hermes and goddess Aphrodite, born with 'male' and 'female' sex organs. In alchemy, the figure is adapted into a symbol for creating the illusion of gold. This image illustrates a scientific formula—a way to make copper look like gold. Alchemical imagery often expresses transformation by metaphorically toying with the ambiguity of gender as a physical illusion. There is something compelling in the way this image vaunts alchemy’s ability to tap what is chameleon in physical identity. Gender is a transitory illusion. True identity’s an embedded secret, waiting to be empowered.” —David Brafman, associa...