ArtistBetsy Damos
Equilibrium I
Date1997
MediumPastel on paper
Dimensions21 x 18 in. (53.3 x 45.7 cm)
Framed Size: 29 1/2 x 24 1/2 in. (74.9 x 62.2 cm)
Credit LineDC Commission on the Arts and Humanities Art Bank Collection
Object numberDCCAH1999.280
ClassificationsDrawings
Locations
- Department of Human Resources (1015 Half Street SE, 9th Floor)
DescriptionThis pastel drawing explores the race between efforts to preserve the natural environment and the sometimes potentially-destructive changes brought about by human development and resettlement. One of a pair of works, this drawing builds upon earlier works in which the images only include partial elements of a vanishing natural environment. “Equilibrium I” extends the subject matter of earlier works by including elements of historic urban environments. The drawing is comprised of three horizontal sections – arranged vertically. A hard-edged form runs vertically through each section. The portion of each image that lies within this rectangle is lighter in hue, softer and less distinct in appearance, almost as if it is being eroded away by the forces of mankind. The extent of the region of decay/destruction is smaller for the images of the historically-important built environment than for the images of the natural environment. It barely intrudes on the tree scape along the city sidewalk – a positive sign. That the extent of the faded/blurred regions of the images of the natural environments is not 100% suggests a level of optimism on the efforts of local and national conservancy groups to preserve natural beauty.
“Equilibrium I” is a pastel drawing on paper that is built up from horizontal images of homes in a historic district in Washington, DC and two images of the surrounding countryside in neighboring states.
