Original artwork description:

‘Boy conducting a cloud’ paints a bleak vision of the future. There are, however, strains of optimism; the surrealistic narrative depicts a boy attempting to rehydrate barren lands. Despite humanity's tendency to lay waste to it’s surroundings, some individuals have the tenacity to contribute, create and solve. Nature will be heavily reliant on such people in the years to come.
The boy appears to be painted in a naive, if not expressionistic manner. These styles contribute to the notion of a youthful uncertainty and clumsiness; of someone acting out of necessity. The apparent playful vision of anatomy making up the figure is contrasted by a more focussed draughtsmanship. The foot placed in the ground, for instance, shows a relatively accurate rendering of the transfer of body weight. This realism adds a gravity to the piece. In all likelihood, the reality of Earth’s fate will not give us grounds for cheer.
A great deal of thought went into the skyscape in the background. From an original plan of bushy, vibrant clouds depicted in the original miniature version, to wispy strands of desert clouds, to the final conclusion of an empty sky. It is this empty space that is the most descriptive in both a compositional sense and in it’s ability to influence the narrative.

Materials used:

Oils

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