the ice house, coldwell, lake superior c1923 Lawren Harris (1885-1970)

The composition presents a stark and somewhat unsettling landscape dominated by geometric forms and a muted color palette. A substantial structure, presumably a building, occupies the right side of the frame. Its dark, almost monolithic presence is accentuated by its rigid lines and sharp angles, contrasting with the more organic shapes that surround it. The building’s verticality suggests purposefulness, but also an imposing quality.
To the left, a large, undulating form rises from what appears to be a body of water. This shape, rendered in shades of green, possesses a fluidity that stands in opposition to the angularity of the structure. It could be interpreted as a hill or a wave, blurring the distinction between land and sea. The water itself is depicted with horizontal bands of varying tones, creating a sense of movement while simultaneously flattening the perspective.
The foreground features a sandy expanse, rendered in warm browns and ochres. This area provides a visual anchor for the scene, but its limited detail contributes to an overall feeling of isolation. Above, the sky is layered with swirling clouds, painted in shades of grey and blue. These atmospheric elements add depth to the composition while reinforcing the sense of melancholy and vastness.
The painting’s subtexts revolve around themes of industry versus nature, human intervention within a landscape, and perhaps even the impact of modernity on traditional ways of life. The imposing structure suggests an industrial presence – possibly related to resource extraction or storage – disrupting the natural harmony of the environment. The muted color scheme and flattened perspective contribute to a sense of detachment and emotional distance. Theres a quiet austerity present; it evokes a feeling of coldness, both literal and metaphorical, hinting at hardship and resilience in a remote location. The absence of human figures amplifies this sense of solitude and emphasizes the dominance of the landscape itself.