Cunieform Christian Riese Lassen

The artwork presents a striking juxtaposition of marine life and human presence within a circular frame, immediately drawing attention to the boundaries between natural and constructed environments. The lower portion is dominated by a vibrant underwater scene teeming with diverse aquatic creatures. Numerous fish species – angelfish, butterflyfish, and smaller schooling varieties – populate a coral reef environment rendered in rich blues and greens. Several large whales breach the surface of the water, their forms suggesting both power and grace as they navigate this submerged realm.
Above this watery expanse, the scene transitions to an aerial view of a coastal landscape at sunset. A substantial structure, likely a resort or hotel complex, is visible on the shoreline, its illuminated windows reflecting the fading light. Several whales are depicted swimming near the building, creating a visual link between the marine ecosystem and human development. The sky displays a dramatic gradient of colors – fiery oranges and pinks blending into deep blues – further emphasizing the transition from day to night.
The composition’s circular format contributes significantly to its meaning. It evokes notions of wholeness, cyclical processes (like tides or seasons), and potentially, confinement. The contrast between the vibrant underwater world and the artificial structure on land suggests a tension between preservation and exploitation. The whales, positioned as intermediaries between these two realms, might symbolize the fragility of natural systems in the face of human expansion.
The artist’s choice to depict both the grandeur of marine life and the imposing presence of human construction implies a commentary on environmental impact and the relationship between humanity and nature. The overall effect is one of uneasy beauty – a celebration of biodiversity tempered by an awareness of its vulnerability.