Calendar 2003-07 Ron Ewenin

The composition presents a striking juxtaposition of symbolic elements against a vibrant pink backdrop. Dominating the upper portion is a stylized skull, rendered in shades of white and grey, with prominent horns and adorned with long, flowing feathers that hang downwards. A circular motif, composed of concentric rings of yellow, orange, brown, and black, sits centrally within the eye sockets of the skull, suggesting an emblem or perhaps a representation of a celestial body.
Below this central image, a procession of figures on horseback traverses a dark, silhouetted landscape. The riders are depicted in profile, their forms stark against the horizon line which is punctuated by the suggestion of trees. Their posture appears purposeful and resolute, conveying a sense of movement and directionality.
The color palette contributes significantly to the works overall impact. The intense pink background creates an unusual visual tension with the darker tones of the skull and riders. This contrast draws attention to the symbolic weight of each element while simultaneously introducing a layer of surrealism.
Several subtexts emerge from this arrangement. The skull, traditionally associated with mortality and transformation, is here presented not as a symbol of decay but rather as an object of adornment, suggesting a complex relationship between life and death, perhaps even reverence for ancestral spirits or the cyclical nature of existence. The feathers, often linked to spirituality and connection to the natural world, further reinforce this sense of ritualistic significance.
The riders on horseback evoke images of nomadic cultures, exploration, or journeys – both literal and metaphorical. Their silhouetted forms lend an air of mystery, obscuring their identities while emphasizing their collective purpose. The landscape they traverse hints at a vastness and potential for both challenge and discovery.
Ultimately, the work appears to explore themes of identity, heritage, spirituality, and the enduring relationship between humanity and the natural world. The artist’s signature and date in the lower right corner provide context as a dated creation from 2002.