TheIllusionofOrderlyProgress Barbara Norfleet

Here we observe a meticulously staged composition featuring numerous scarab beetles arranged around a central, organic form. The backdrop is a flat, saturated red plane, which isolates and emphasizes the subjects within the frame. To the left, a fragment of what appears to be a rock formation introduces a textural contrast against the smooth background. A sandy-orange surface serves as the immediate ground for the scene.
The focal point is undoubtedly the cluster of beetles. They are uniformly green with reddish-brown markings on their legs and undersides, creating a visual rhythm that draws the eye around the central form. The arrangement appears deliberate; the insects are positioned in a circular pattern, some ascending the organic shape while others remain at its base. This creates an impression of movement and activity, yet also a sense of repetitive behavior.
The central object itself is ambiguous. Its texture suggests something natural – perhaps a root structure or a deformed fruit – but its form lacks definitive identification. It’s rendered in muted tones that contrast with the vibrant green of the beetles, further highlighting their presence.
Subtexts within this work seem to revolve around themes of collective behavior and the illusion of order. The scarabs, known for their association with rebirth and transformation in ancient Egyptian symbolism, are presented not as agents of purposeful change but as participants in a seemingly endless cycle. Their uniform appearance and repetitive actions suggest conformity and perhaps even a lack of individual agency.
The stark background and isolated setting contribute to an atmosphere of artificiality. The scene feels constructed rather than observed, prompting questions about the nature of progress and the potential for manufactured narratives within systems of collective action. The work invites contemplation on how appearances can be deceptive, and how what seems orderly might conceal a more complex or even cyclical reality.