LyingLow Barbara Norfleet

The composition presents a surreal landscape dominated by organic forms and populated with insect life. A large beetle is positioned centrally, perched atop a sinuous, root-like structure that arches dramatically across the frame. This central figure commands attention due to its size and placement against the muted backdrop of a dusky sky punctuated by a prominent celestial body – likely intended as a moon or sun.
Below the beetle, a cluster of smaller creatures, also resembling beetles or similar invertebrates, are nestled amongst a collection of oversized, shell-like forms that resemble both natural growth and discarded objects. The ground is covered in what appears to be dark gravel or debris, adding texture and grounding the scene.
The color palette is restrained, primarily utilizing earthy tones – browns, ochres, and grays – which contribute to an atmosphere of quietude and perhaps melancholy. The lighting is diffused, creating soft shadows that obscure detail and enhance the dreamlike quality of the scene.
Subtextually, the work seems to explore themes of vulnerability and dominance within a natural hierarchy. The beetle’s elevated position suggests power or privilege, while the smaller creatures below appear vulnerable and dependent. The oversized shells could be interpreted as protective coverings, remnants of past lives, or symbols of stagnation. The desolate landscape reinforces a sense of isolation and perhaps even decay.
The juxtaposition of organic forms with the insect population evokes a feeling of unease, prompting reflection on the often-unseen world that exists alongside human perception. It is possible to read this as an allegory for societal structures, where individuals are positioned within systems of power and dependence, or simply as a meditation on the strange beauty found in the natural world. The deliberate scale distortions contribute to a sense of disorientation, inviting viewers to question their own understanding of perspective and proportion.