lrs Wtatt Pat The Eldersare Above Below Beside Us Pat Wtatt

The composition presents a central figure framed by symbolic elements within a layered and dreamlike space. A person with dark hair and fair skin occupies the foreground, their gaze directed slightly off-center, conveying a sense of introspection or perhaps observation. The individual is adorned in what appears to be traditional regalia; intricate geometric patterns dominate the garment, suggesting cultural identity and heritage. These patterns are rendered with meticulous detail, utilizing a palette of reds, greens, yellows, and blues against a dark background.
The backdrop behind the figure dissolves into an ethereal landscape. A wash of pink and blue hues creates a sense of atmospheric depth, evoking a spiritual or otherworldly realm. Two large birds – one prominently positioned above and slightly to the left, the other appearing on the right – are depicted in flight. Their wings are spread wide, suggesting freedom, transcendence, or perhaps messengers from another plane. The rendering of these birds is less detailed than the central figure’s attire, contributing to their symbolic rather than literal presence.
Flanking the central figure and extending beyond the frame are fragmented, angular shapes – primarily white with traces of color – that resemble stylized landscapes or architectural elements. These fragments appear almost as if they are emerging from or receding into the background, blurring the boundaries between reality and a more abstract space. The use of these fractured forms introduces an element of disruption or fragmentation, potentially alluding to historical trauma or displacement.
The overall effect is one of layered meaning and symbolic resonance. The central figure seems to embody a connection to ancestral knowledge and cultural identity, while the birds represent spiritual guidance or a link to the unseen world. The fragmented landscape elements suggest a disrupted past or a sense of loss, but also hint at resilience and the potential for renewal. The color palette – the contrast between the dark attire and the luminous background – further emphasizes this interplay of shadow and light, tradition and transcendence. It is a work that invites contemplation on themes of heritage, spirituality, and the enduring power of cultural memory.