MyTribeIsBetterThanYourTribe Barbara Norfleet

The composition presents a striking juxtaposition of natural and manufactured elements against a backdrop of a fiery sunset. A cluster of iridescent green beetles dominates the foreground, their bodies piled densely upon one another, creating a sense of teeming life and collective mass. These insects are positioned directly in front of an array of slender wooden poles, each tipped with a vibrant red arrow. The arrows rise vertically, piercing the sky and seemingly threatening the insect assemblage below.
The sunset itself is rendered in warm hues of orange and pink, providing a dramatic contrast to the cool green of the beetles and the stark red of the arrows. This color palette contributes to an overall feeling of tension and unease. The ground upon which the insects rest appears rocky and uneven, further emphasizing the precariousness of their position.
The subtexts within this work are complex and open to interpretation. The arrangement of the beetles suggests themes of tribalism or group identity – a mass of individuals bound together, potentially in competition or conflict with other such groups. Their vulnerability is highlighted by the looming presence of the arrows, which could symbolize external threats, aggression, or even self-inflicted harm.
The use of insects, often associated with decay and transformation, introduces an element of transience and impermanence. The artificiality of the arrows – clearly not a natural occurrence – suggests human intervention and manipulation within this ecosystem. The painting seems to explore the dynamics of power, vulnerability, and the potential for destruction inherent in collective identity. It invites reflection on how groups define themselves against others and the consequences of such definitions.