20110220-06 Steve Hanks

The watercolor presents a striking juxtaposition of power and vulnerability. A monumental lion sculpture dominates the composition, its head thrown back in a roar that seems to vibrate off the page. The rendering suggests bronze or weathered stone, lending it a sense of permanence and authority. Its mane is meticulously detailed, each strand contributing to an impression of formidable strength.

Positioned directly beneath the lions chin, nestled on what appears to be a plinth or ledge, sits a domestic cat. This creature’s posture is one of calm observation; it regards the viewer with an almost detached curiosity. The contrast in scale between the colossal feline and the small housecat is immediately apparent, creating a visual tension that forms the core of the works meaning.

The artist has placed a scattering of papers or documents on the ledge as well, partially obscuring the cat’s lower body. These suggest an environment of intellectual pursuit or bureaucratic process – a space where knowledge and authority are ostensibly held. The presence of the cat disrupts this order; it occupies a position of unexpected intimacy within a setting defined by grandeur and formality.

The lighting is carefully considered. A strong light source illuminates the lions face, emphasizing its ferocity, while casting shadows that deepen the sense of depth and volume in the sculpture. The cat, however, is bathed in softer light, highlighting its fur and creating a gentler visual presence. This contrast reinforces the thematic opposition between brute force and quiet resilience.

Subtly, the painting seems to explore themes of dominance and submission, but also perhaps a commentary on the unexpected places where vulnerability can exist within systems of power. The cat’s nonchalance in the face of such overwhelming strength suggests an acceptance or even a transcendence of hierarchical structures. It is not intimidated; it simply is, occupying its space with quiet dignity. The work invites contemplation about the nature of authority, the role of the individual, and the surprising ways that seemingly insignificant beings can challenge established norms.