art 357 Joan Colvin

The artwork presents a vertical composition dominated by the depiction of tree trunks, likely birch trees given their characteristic bark patterns. The artist employs a collage technique, utilizing fabric pieces in varying textures and tones to construct the visual elements. A stark contrast is established between the light-colored areas representing the bark and darker sections suggesting shadows or underlying foliage.
The arrangement isnt strictly representational; instead, it leans towards an abstracted interpretation of nature. The trunks are not rendered with precise detail but rather suggested through a patchwork of fabric, creating a fragmented and layered effect. This fragmentation disrupts any sense of seamless continuity, implying a deconstruction of the natural form.
A significant aspect is the use of color. While predominantly white and brown tones prevail, subtle hints of ochre, amber, and even muted greens are incorporated within the collage. These colors add depth and complexity to the surface, preventing it from appearing flat or monotonous. The interplay between light and shadow contributes to a sense of visual rhythm and movement throughout the piece.
The background is entirely black, which serves to isolate the tree trunks and intensify their presence. This dark void eliminates any contextual clues about location or environment, focusing attention solely on the trees themselves.
Subtextually, the work might explore themes of fragility and resilience. The fragmented nature of the collage could symbolize the vulnerability of natural elements in the face of external forces. Simultaneously, the persistence of the tree trunks – their upward reach despite the disrupted surface – suggests an enduring strength and a capacity for renewal. The artists choice to use fabric, a material often associated with domesticity and comfort, introduces another layer of meaning; it could be interpreted as a reflection on humanity’s relationship with nature – a desire to contain or understand it through familiar mediums.