The Flood 2018

Bo Bartlett painted "The Flood," capturing a family navigating a boat through rising waters. Bartlett's work often explores American life, touching on themes of family, memory, and the environment. In this painting, consider the backdrop of the submerged church, a common theme in art history, often used as a symbol of lost innocence and the overwhelming power of nature. Who is being saved and who is at the oars? Are we looking at a traditional family structure, or are there more nuanced power dynamics at play here? Think about the emotional weight each figure carries. The solemn gaze of the girl, the father’s focus on rowing, and the protective posture of the mother. As you reflect on the artwork, consider what it suggests about our relationship with the environment and each other. What do we rescue from our pasts?