Artist
Betsy Damos
Title
Persistence
Date2003
MediumMixed media on canvas
DimensionsEach: 20 x 12 in. (50.8 x 30.5 cm)
Framed Size (Each): 22 x 14 in. (55.9 x 35.6 cm)
Framed Size (Each): 22 x 14 in. (55.9 x 35.6 cm)
Credit LineDC Commission on the Arts and Humanities Art Bank Collection
Object numberDCCAH2004.005a-d
ClassificationsPaintings
Locations
DC Corrections Information Council (1400 I street NW, 400)
DescriptionThis work is comprised of four panels of images cut from a larger work on paper. The paper was then adhered to canvas. As with many other pieces of work by the artist, each was overpainted with a grey wash that obscures the beauty of what once was there. Except, that is, for the hard-edged, rectangular “windows” suggesting the role of humans in the destruction/preservation of the natural environment by clearly demarcating the beauty of what was from the drabness of what is. Finally, the outer border of each individual canvas has been painted with a different, jewel-like color. The final result shouts out in joy. Can man and nature really co-exist? Perhaps. As the title suggests, preservation of the beauty and expansiveness of the natural environment will require persistence.
