Mythical Horses Laurel Burch

The artwork presents two equine figures rendered in a stylized and somewhat abstracted manner. They dominate the central space, their forms simplified into essential shapes and lines. The color palette is dominated by warm tones – ochre, russet, and amber – with accents of purple and black that contribute to a sense of depth and visual complexity.
Here we see two horses facing each other, their heads close but not touching. Their eyes are large and dark, conveying an intensity that borders on melancholy or perhaps profound contemplation. The artist has employed a limited range of detail; the textures appear rough and uneven, suggesting a handmade quality, possibly achieved through mixed media techniques. Small, geometric shapes – triangles and diamondoids – are scattered across the surfaces of the horses’ bodies, adding to their decorative effect and potentially symbolizing some form of patterning or tribal marking.
The background is composed of layered rectangles in varying shades of yellow and brown, creating a sense of enclosure and emphasizing the figures within. A border frames the entire composition; it incorporates repeating geometric motifs – triangles, chevrons, and stylized spirals – that echo the patterns on the horses themselves. This framing device reinforces the feeling of ritual or ceremony.
The heart-shaped form positioned centrally between the two equine heads is a significant element. It appears to be rendered in a darker hue, contrasting with the surrounding colors and drawing immediate attention. Its placement suggests themes of connection, emotion, or perhaps even sacrifice. The overall impression is one of symbolic weight; the work seems less concerned with realistic representation than with conveying an emotional state or exploring archetypal imagery.
Subtexts within this piece might relate to duality – the facing horses could represent opposing forces or complementary aspects of a single entity. The heart motif, coupled with the somber expressions on the animals’ faces, hints at themes of loss, longing, or spiritual yearning. The decorative patterns and border suggest an engagement with cultural traditions or ancestral narratives. Ultimately, the work invites contemplation about the relationship between the individual and something larger – be it a community, a belief system, or the natural world.