Fire! Vlasta Van Kampen

The composition presents a densely packed woodland scene dominated by a large ungulate – likely a moose – in dynamic motion. The animal is positioned centrally and diagonally across the frame, its body angled as if its bursting through the foliage. Its antlers are prominently displayed, partially obscuring the background trees and contributing to a sense of overwhelming presence.
The forest itself appears claustrophobic; tall, slender trees crowd the space, their trunks rendered in varying shades of brown and ochre, creating a textured, almost vertical pattern. The artist employed a limited palette – primarily browns, greens, yellows, and touches of red – to convey a sense of autumnal decay or impending danger. Light filters through the canopy unevenly, casting shadows that further deepen the atmosphere of unease.
At the lower edge of the painting, a small rodent is depicted fleeing from the larger animal’s path. It sits atop a fallen log, its posture suggesting panic and immediate escape. This juxtaposition highlights a stark contrast in scale and power between the two creatures, reinforcing the mooses dominance within this environment.
The overall effect suggests a narrative of disruption or threat. The ungulate’s forceful movement implies an urgent flight from something unseen – perhaps a fire, as suggested by the title. Alternatively, it could represent a primal struggle for survival in a harsh and unforgiving landscape. The rodent’s vulnerability underscores the precariousness of existence within this ecosystem.
The framing border adds to the sense of enclosure, further emphasizing the feeling that the viewer is witnessing an isolated event unfolding within a confined space. The style leans towards illustrative, with simplified forms and flattened perspective, which contributes to the paintings symbolic rather than realistic intent.