#17493 Miriam Schapiro

The artwork presents a densely layered composition brimming with symbolic figures and vibrant color. The canvas is divided into three distinct panels, yet these are unified by a pervasive sense of chaotic abundance. A riot of green foliage dominates the background, punctuated by bursts of red, yellow, blue, and purple – a visual cacophony that immediately draws attention.
On the left panel, a figure with an obscured face, rendered in shades of red and purple, appears to be kneeling or crouching. The form is partially concealed by swirling patterns and what seems to be a stylized wave motif in blue. This figure’s posture suggests either supplication or struggle. To its right, a serpentine creature coils through the foliage, its body delineated with alternating bands of blue and red. Its presence introduces an element of potential threat or transformation.
The central panel is dominated by a circular black void containing a white equine form – a rearing horse – its mane and tail flowing outwards. This image is encircled by a swirling vortex of red and orange, which seems to emanate from the center, creating a focal point for the entire work. The placement of this motif suggests themes of power, freedom, or perhaps even a cyclical narrative.
The right panel features another figure, this one standing upright and clad in vertical blue and green stripes. Its face is also obscured, though it appears to be wearing some kind of mask or covering. This figure’s posture conveys an air of stoicism or detachment, contrasting with the more dynamic poses of the figures on either side.
The overall effect is one of overwhelming sensory input. The dense layering and repetition of forms suggest a dreamlike state or a symbolic landscape. The obscured faces of the human-like figures contribute to a sense of anonymity and universality; they are not individuals, but rather archetypes representing broader concepts. The abundance of color and the intertwining of organic and geometric shapes create an atmosphere that is both unsettling and captivating. Subtexts might involve themes of nature versus civilization, hidden identities, or the cyclical nature of existence – all conveyed through a complex visual language that resists easy interpretation.