Water Valley 1959

Karl Knaths created "Water Valley," an oil on canvas, using a cubist style that invites us to explore the layered meanings within its fragmented forms. The painting's title draws our attention to the symbolic depth of water. From ancient myths to Renaissance paintings, water symbolizes purity, renewal, and the subconscious. Notice how Knaths uses cool blues and greens to evoke the tranquility and fluidity of water. Yet, the fractured composition disrupts this sense of calm, hinting at the hidden currents beneath the surface. Consider the recurrence of geometric shapes—triangles, rectangles—that could be deconstructed boats or buildings. These shapes echo the symbolism of structures found throughout art history. The subconscious association with stability can also be seen in ancient Egyptian pyramids to modern skyscrapers. The artist reminds us that symbols are never fixed. Instead, they flow and transform with time, reflecting our ever-evolving understanding of the world and ourselves.