The Beginning Charles Bragg

The composition presents a surreal and unsettling scene dominated by muted purples and browns, creating a dreamlike or perhaps nightmarish atmosphere. A colossal eye looms in the upper left quadrant, its gaze directed downwards with an expression that is difficult to decipher – it could be one of sorrow, judgment, or detached observation. The scale of this eye dwarfs everything else within the frame, suggesting a sense of overwhelming power and surveillance.
Below the eye, a gnarled tree trunk rises from a spiraling root system. This tree is not depicted in a naturalistic manner; instead, it appears almost anthropomorphic, with what seems to be a female breast subtly integrated into its form near the center. The artist has rendered this feature with an unsettling ambiguity – it’s present but understated, contributing to the paintings overall sense of unease and symbolic complexity.
A serpent coils around the base of the tree, its scales meticulously detailed. Its posture suggests both protection and threat; it seems to guard the tree while simultaneously embodying a potential danger. A single fly hovers near the eye, adding another layer of disquiet. Flies are often associated with decay, corruption, or unwanted attention, further reinforcing the painting’s unsettling tone.
The background is indistinct, resembling a cloudy sky that contributes to the feeling of isolation and mystery. The pinkish hue emanating from behind the trees branches provides a focal point, but its meaning remains elusive – it could represent hope, temptation, or simply an anomaly within this otherwise somber landscape.
Subtextually, the painting seems to explore themes of creation, temptation, and the gaze. The eye suggests a divine or parental presence observing humanity’s origins. The tree with the breast-like form might symbolize fertility, nurturing, or perhaps a corrupted ideal of motherhood. The serpent is an obvious allusion to the biblical story of Adam and Eve, representing knowledge, transgression, and the fall from grace. The fly introduces elements of decay and unwanted intrusion. Overall, the work evokes a sense of primordial unease, hinting at the complexities and potential pitfalls inherent in existence itself.