Dance Of Death

Comment

Comment by Resident Curator on May 13, 2022 at 3:32pm

Curator’s Comments:

Dance of Death came up in a random sampling of images today, despite its original appearance on the site back in 2013.  I’m glad I clicked on the thumbnail for longer viewing, as I was able to better take in the twisting complexity and sophistication of the low contrast image.  Despite the dramatic visual force of what looks to be a gnarled tree, the color palette makes it a rather understated piece.  The longer I look at the image, the more uncertain I am about the subject which floats above, and somewhat cancels out an underlayer of lighter cursive text. What I’m seeing as a tree also suggests cresting water features, as the roots merge into blue waves. What I do know for certain is that the piece offers a careful consideration and construction of time embedded in its mixed media processes.  I associate drypoint and calligraphy with slow movements, that slightly quicken in watercolor painting.  Digital manipulation holds the promise of selecting swaths of a picture for quick manipulation, but of course these are broad generalizations that may not materialize in every artists’ studio practice. The title of the work however, brings me back to raw natural elements, and the writhing movement of the organic entity.