bs-aaw-AlisonDearbornRieder-PrehistoricJourney Alison Dearborn Rieder

The artwork presents a dynamic scene dominated by a herd of equine figures traversing a landscape rendered in fiery hues. Here we see a procession of horses, depicted with simplified forms and bold outlines, moving from left to right across the canvas. Their postures suggest a sense of urgency or flight; some are rearing, others appear to be galloping, creating an impression of unrestrained movement. The artist has chosen not to depict individual characteristics in detail, instead emphasizing the collective energy of the group.
The background is characterized by swirling patterns and intense coloration – primarily shades of red, orange, and yellow – that evoke a sense of heat or perhaps volcanic activity. These colors are applied with visible brushstrokes, adding texture and depth to the scene. The overall effect is one of primal power and untamed nature. A thin, dark-red border frames the composition, isolating the central action and intensifying its impact.
Subtly, the painting seems to explore themes of migration, survival, or perhaps a symbolic representation of ancient forces. The simplified forms and vibrant color palette recall prehistoric cave paintings, suggesting an echo of humanity’s earliest artistic endeavors and a connection to our ancestral past. The lack of specific environmental details allows for multiple interpretations; the landscape could represent any vast, challenging terrain – a desert, a volcanic plain, or even a metaphorical space representing inner turmoil.
The absence of human figures is significant. It shifts the focus entirely onto the animals and their journey, implying that they are the protagonists in this narrative. The painting’s power lies not in its realism but in its ability to convey a feeling – a sense of raw energy, movement, and an enduring connection to the natural world.