Lahaina Visions Triptych MiddleL Christian Riese Lassen

The composition presents a striking juxtaposition of terrestrial and aquatic realms, unified by a dramatic visual transition. The upper portion depicts a coastal landscape bathed in the warm hues of a setting sun. Rolling hills meet a shoreline dotted with buildings – a collection of structures suggesting a resort or residential area – and punctuated by what appears to be a tall-masted ship. A prominent waterfall cascades from the hillside, its descent visually connecting the land and sea.
Below this terrestrial scene, the perspective shifts abruptly to an underwater environment. Here we see a vibrant coral reef teeming with diverse marine life: schools of brightly colored fish, including distinctive yellow tangs and butterflyfish, populate the foreground. A pod of dolphins swims through the water, their forms rendered with dynamic energy. The dividing line between land and sea is not a simple horizon but a powerful wave cresting, its form both separating and merging these two worlds.
The color palette is rich and saturated, employing intense blues, purples, oranges, and yellows to create an atmosphere of heightened emotion and dreamlike quality. Light plays a crucial role; the sunset illuminates the landmass while refracted light creates shimmering patterns within the water. The artist’s use of perspective is unconventional, blending elements of realism with a fantastical sensibility.
Subtly, the work seems to explore themes of interconnectedness and duality. The waterfall acts as a symbolic bridge between disparate environments, suggesting an underlying harmony despite their apparent differences. The presence of human structures alongside the natural world hints at a complex relationship – one that could be interpreted as either symbiotic or potentially disruptive. The dolphins, often associated with intelligence and grace, appear to navigate this liminal space with ease, perhaps representing adaptability or a deeper understanding of the balance between nature and civilization. Overall, the painting evokes a sense of wonder and invites contemplation on the delicate interplay between human activity and the natural world.