Watching and Waiting Steve Hanks

The composition presents two figures seated on a raised platform or ledge, their forms dominating the central space. They appear as young women, clad in flowing white garments that drape loosely around them. Their postures are markedly similar: both lean forward, with one hand resting near their knees and heads bowed downwards. The gaze of each figure is directed towards an unseen point beyond the viewers perspective, fostering a sense of shared anticipation or melancholy.
The setting itself contributes significantly to the overall mood. A vast, reflective surface stretches out before them – likely water, though its stillness suggests a frozen state. This expanse mirrors the sky above, creating a disorienting effect where horizon and ground seem to merge. The texture of the platform they occupy is rough and uneven, contrasting with the smoothness of the reflected surface. Cracks mar the concrete, hinting at age or neglect.
The color palette is muted, dominated by cool tones – grays, whites, and pale blues – which amplify the feeling of quietude and introspection. The lighting appears diffuse, lacking a distinct source; this contributes to the dreamlike quality of the scene. Shadows are soft and elongated, further flattening the perspective and emphasizing the figures isolation.
Subtly, the work explores themes of waiting and observation. The women’s posture suggests a state of suspended action, an expectation that hangs heavy in the air. Their shared gaze implies a common focus, perhaps on something significant or ominous occurring beyond their view. The reflective surface could be interpreted as representing memory, reflection, or even a distorted perception of reality.
The starkness of the setting and the figures’ detached demeanor evoke a sense of loneliness and vulnerability. There is an absence of narrative detail; no context is provided for their presence or purpose. This ambiguity invites contemplation on universal themes of hope, loss, and the human condition. The works power lies in its ability to convey profound emotion through understated imagery and a carefully constructed atmosphere.