The Fall 2019

Carrie Graber painted "The Fall," and the symbolism in it speaks volumes about human vulnerability. Notice the supine figure. This pose, so prominently displayed, echoes the classical motif of the fallen hero or deity. Think of Icarus, plummeting from the sky, or even the deposition of Christ. Here, the figure is not necessarily dead, but there is an air of defeat. The gesture of the raised fist—a symbol of resistance—now appears feeble, almost as if surrendering. The pattern of the fabric beneath the figure contrasts sharply with the somber attire, creating a sense of dissonance. This fabric is a palimpsest of memory, hinting at stories and emotions buried beneath the surface of consciousness. The act of falling suggests a loss of control. We are reminded that even in moments of repose, the weight of existence can bring about a sense of inevitable descent, echoing through the ages in art and myth.