Lambase, Barbara – Donnatalee 05 (end Barbara Lambase

The artwork presents a figure that blends human and aquatic characteristics within an underwater environment. Here we observe a female form from the waist up, with a torso clad in a checkered garment of red and white. The lower half transitions into a vibrant green fish tail, meticulously rendered with individual scales suggesting movement and texture. Her expression is one of joyful anticipation; she reaches upwards towards something just beyond her grasp, likely droplets suspended in the water.
The setting is clearly submerged, indicated by the diffused light filtering through the water’s surface above. The color palette leans heavily on greens and blues, creating a sense of depth and tranquility. Large, stylized aquatic plants frame the figure, their forms echoing the curves of her tail and contributing to the overall organic feel. Small fish are scattered throughout the composition, some appearing as mere suggestions of form, others more clearly defined. Bubbles rise towards the surface, reinforcing the underwater context.
The artist’s use of color is significant; the bright red in the garment provides a focal point against the cooler tones of the surrounding water and vegetation. This contrast draws attention to the figures humanity within this fantastical setting. The stylized rendering of both the human and aquatic elements suggests a deliberate departure from realism, leaning towards a dreamlike or symbolic representation.
Subtly, the work explores themes of aspiration and connection. The reaching gesture implies a desire for something unattainable, perhaps representing hope, longing, or a yearning for transcendence. The figure’s integration with the marine environment could be interpreted as a commentary on harmony between humanity and nature, or conversely, a representation of being caught between two worlds – land and sea, human and creature. The overall impression is one of whimsical fantasy imbued with an underlying sense of quiet introspection.