Sunday, February 26, 2012

A Voyage of Self Recognition


Peter Doig born 1959
Oil on canvas "Echo Lake" 7.5' x 12'
This large canvas hangs at the end of a long gallery in the Tate Modern Museum in London



   I was emotionally struck by the strength this painting has in the gallery.  The painting evokes a tone of emotion that is quite alarming.  A man stands at the edge of a dirty body of water. A police car with flashing lights sits on the front edge of the parking lot.  The parking lot invades the tree line's natural surroundings, as does the tall lamp posts that artificially light the necessity of the urban appeal placed upon the rural water front.  I can't help but sense that something terribly wrong has occurred.  It frightens my imagination.  The man alone, at the water's edge is alarmed by some event.  His sense of terror is displayed by his feet partially in the water as if he's questioning whether he should enter the water.  A sense of alarm is portrayed by his hands on his ears in a pose reminiscent of Munch's painting of "The Scream."  His need for help is picked up in his water reflection of a crucifix.  What does he see, or not see, that alarms him so much?  Am I a witness as he is, or a casualty to some horrific event?  They say beautify is in the eye of the beholder.  This painting, with its horrific suggestions, is compelling to my senses.  I would conclude that this painting represents the fragility of humanity.

For those that haven't studied Peter Doig paintings I recommend that you image google his name.

1 comment:

  1. Yes: what at first glance is a fairly quiet night landscape is seen to contain a much more disturbing scene. Almost as if the figure (police?) is peering out onto the dark lake (hands holding binoculars?) as if looking out towards the VIEWER....puts you into the scene.

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