Dante Sleeps

Comment

Comment by Resident Curator on March 5, 2017 at 3:05pm

Thanks for your response Pepper.  I'm happy to see you've posted more works on the site- there's a wonderful range of approaches and subjects.

Comment by Pepper Pepper on March 4, 2017 at 12:15pm

Kristen T Woodward, thank you very much for your lovely insight and comments. You are correct that it is a hybridization of different mediums. This image combines pencil, ink, watercolor, liquid acrylics, and photography elements on watercolor paper. (mixed-media) I was pleased when you mentioned 'sinks into the earth' because this was my conclusive idea for this piece - someone falling asleep and falling through the earth into a realm of dreams. You have completely made my day and made me smile. Thank you.

Comment by Resident Curator on March 4, 2017 at 11:07am

Curator’s Comments:

 

Dante Sleeps is an exquisite image, combining graphic contrast with more delicate organic elements.  While the medium isn’t specifically designated, there appears to be a nice hybridization of photographic and hand drawn components.   I particular enjoy the warm/cool contrast of the patterns on the top and bottom of the figure, and the way in which the floral shapes rise up to meet the sleeping figure as he slightly sinks into the earth.  The warm shadow on the figure’s face reads as reflected light, further connecting him to the ground despite the contrast in his harder edged resolution.   I also am attracted to the piece entitled Villa of Shadows.  The saturated color provides both mystery and an idealized hyper-realism.  The glow of the architecture from the center suggests an anthropomorphized entity; both drawing viewers into the space, and repelling them with the foreboding shadows.