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“It is a painting that for me symbolizes hope in the midst of what sometimes seems a culturally and environmentally bleak time. The animals symbolize the story of the Ark, with the olive branch (dropped by the dove above) as a promise of land. There is the view from the loft with the construction of the freedom tower behind the water tower. Rebirth out of disaster. On the blueprint is a plan of the mythical ark, with a protractor to measure out arcs. The scarf symbolizes Hermes, the messenger god, with the pattern of a lyre and constellations, order out of chaos. In Greek mythology, the lyre was created from Apollo’s cattle, which Hermes stole, and Apollo was so pleased with its melody he became god of music and arts, and therefore, a god of Muses. It is a painting that is also about the linkage of the outside world with the inner world.”
~ Barbara Kassel
Wet Weather
Artist/Maker
Barbara Kassel
United States, born 1952
Date2012
MediumOil on Linen
DimensionsFramed: 37 5/8 x 49 5/8 x 2 3/16 in. (95.6 x 126 x 5.6 cm)
Credit LineGift of the 2012 Collectors Circle with Additional Assistance from Generous Patrons, National Museum of Wildlife Art
Object numberM2012.021
ClassificationsPainting
DescriptionStill life of a table and chair in front of an open window, with a cityscape in the distance. A series of animal figurines seem to march across the tabletop. A mobile depicting a variety of birds hangs above the empty chair. “It is a painting that for me symbolizes hope in the midst of what sometimes seems a culturally and environmentally bleak time. The animals symbolize the story of the Ark, with the olive branch (dropped by the dove above) as a promise of land. There is the view from the loft with the construction of the freedom tower behind the water tower. Rebirth out of disaster. On the blueprint is a plan of the mythical ark, with a protractor to measure out arcs. The scarf symbolizes Hermes, the messenger god, with the pattern of a lyre and constellations, order out of chaos. In Greek mythology, the lyre was created from Apollo’s cattle, which Hermes stole, and Apollo was so pleased with its melody he became god of music and arts, and therefore, a god of Muses. It is a painting that is also about the linkage of the outside world with the inner world.”
~ Barbara Kassel
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