The Deluge 2019

Kent Monkman’s “The Deluge” captures a scene of desperate figures atop a precipice, rendered with striking drama. These figures, dressed in traditional Indigenous clothing, are caught in a moment of existential crisis; their gestures of reaching and clinging suggest a scene of imminent disaster, reminiscent of classical depictions of the Great Flood. Note the androgynous figure in the foreground, adorned in both a floral dress and high heels. This figure evokes a sense of vulnerability, as if they are carrying the weight of collective trauma. In Western art, the motif of the deluge symbolizes divine punishment and renewal; however, Monkman infuses this archetype with a commentary on the historical and ongoing impact of colonialism on Indigenous peoples. Consider how the artist intertwines elements of historical painting with contemporary issues, prompting a reevaluation of cultural memory and identity. The emotional intensity of this scene serves as a powerful reminder of the cyclical nature of destruction and resilience.