Dans l'œil du cyclone 1974

Theo Gerber created this image, Dans l'oeil du cyclone, using ink and watercolor, but the date of its creation remains unknown. The title translates to 'In the Eye of the Storm', so it’s clear that we are invited to look into a moment of profound natural turbulence. The image creates meaning through contrasting visual codes; a bird-like shape is imposed over a turbulent landscape, a pink-tinged sky contrasted with dark blacks. Gerber was a Swiss artist working through the mid to late 20th century, a time of massive environmental and political upheaval. His interest in the natural world is evidenced here. Understanding art requires research in the social, political, and cultural history of its time. We can examine the meaning of art by considering the artist's social and institutional context. What role did the artist play in society, and how did their choices influence the world around them?