Artist Betsy Damos

Viewpoints II

Date1997

MediumMixed media on paper

Dimensions10 1/4 × 10 in. (26 × 25.4 cm) Framed Size: 22 1/2 × 18 1/2 in. (57.2 × 47 cm)

Credit LineDC Commission on the Arts and Humanities Art Bank Collection

Object numberDCCAH1999.282

ClassificationsDrawings

Locations

OCP- Procurement Training Institute (441 4th St NW, 139S Lobby)

DescriptionThis mixed media drawing on paper uses sharp-edged, clearly man-made shapes – squares and rectangles – to provide a window into the gradual decay and loss of the natural environment due to human activity. It is one of a series of three works involving layering of pastel, graphite, and encaustic. Each work in “Viewpoints” seems to have begun with a detailed pastel drawing of a brightly-lit natural scene. Then, with the exception of specific areas left unaltered, much of each work appears to be darkened with layers of graphite and encaustic, seemingly representing the fouling and degradation of the landscape by human actions. Overall, the works are disturbing and create a sense of foreboding. Of course, one can ask if these windows really only offer a look into the past, or if the artist sees hope for the future as well. A secondary result of the over-painting is to shift the works from realism toward abstraction. “Viewpoints II” shows a countryside scene on a warm, bright summer day.