Reflection Simon Combes (1940-2004)

The composition presents a tranquil African landscape dominated by a body of water and framed by sparse vegetation. Here we see a group of buffalo grazing near the waters edge, their forms rendered with considerable detail in terms of texture and musculature. The foreground is defined by the reflective surface of the water, which mirrors not only the animals but also the surrounding foliage, creating a sense of doubling and visual harmony.
The artist employed a muted palette, primarily utilizing earthy tones – ochres, browns, greens – to evoke the arid environment. Light plays a crucial role in establishing mood; it appears to emanate from behind the viewer, bathing the scene in a soft, diffused glow that minimizes harsh shadows and contributes to an overall feeling of serenity. The distant hills are rendered with less detail, appearing as hazy silhouettes against a pale sky, suggesting vastness and depth.
Beyond the straightforward depiction of wildlife and landscape, the painting hints at deeper subtexts. The presence of water, often symbolic of life, renewal, and introspection, is central to the work. The reflection motif reinforces this idea, prompting contemplation on duality, perception, and the interplay between reality and its mirrored image. The buffalo themselves, powerful yet vulnerable creatures in their natural habitat, may represent resilience and adaptation within a challenging environment.
The deliberate framing of the scene – the trees acting as visual borders – creates a sense of enclosure, inviting the viewer to step into this secluded space. This feeling is further enhanced by the absence of human presence; the landscape appears untouched, pristine, suggesting themes of wilderness, solitude, and perhaps even a longing for an unspoiled natural world. The overall effect is one of quiet observation, encouraging a meditative engagement with the scene’s inherent beauty and underlying symbolic weight.