ColorBar Barbara Norfleet

The composition presents a surreal juxtaposition of natural elements and meticulously rendered insects against a dramatic sky. Here we observe a structure resembling a stylized archway or bridge, constructed from what appears to be bone-like material, rising from a bed of dark, earthy ground cover. The surface of this structure is populated by numerous beetles, depicted with striking detail and vibrant coloration – a mix of iridescent greens, oranges, and blacks.
The artist placed the insects in various poses: some are crawling along the archs curve, others appear to be resting or poised for movement. Their sheer number creates a sense of teeming life and perhaps even overwhelming presence. The lighting emphasizes their glossy exoskeletons, drawing attention to their individual forms while contributing to an overall feeling of unsettling beauty.
Above this constructed landscape, the sky is rendered in somber tones – a turbulent mix of dark blues and grays punctuated by patches of lighter cloud cover. This atmospheric backdrop contributes significantly to the paintings mood, suggesting a sense of foreboding or impending change. The contrast between the vibrant insects and the brooding sky amplifies the feeling of an unnatural, staged environment.
Subtexts within this work seem to explore themes of fragility, decay, and the persistence of life in unexpected contexts. The use of bone-like material suggests mortality and the cyclical nature of existence. The beetles, often associated with transformation and resilience, symbolize a continuation of life even amidst what appears to be ruin or decline. The artificiality of the scene – the deliberate arrangement of elements – raises questions about human intervention and our relationship with the natural world. It is possible that the work intends to comment on the delicate balance between creation and destruction, beauty and morbidity.