Symbols of Life 1967

Walter Battiss made this painting, Symbols of Life, with a palette of warm earth tones, evoking ancient landscapes. Imagine the brush dancing across the canvas, each stroke building a tapestry of images. It feels like the artwork emerged through layering and playful experimentation. I sympathize with Battiss, wondering what he was thinking as he made it. The symbols, like figures and animals, seem to tumble across the surface, creating a rich texture that invites exploration. Look at the confident lines – each gesture communicates a sense of freedom and curiosity. I love the relationship of the cave like element and the surface. Battiss reminds me of other painters who tapped into primal imagery. His work stands as a testament to the power of art to connect us to different cultures and ways of seeing. Painting is like a conversation across time, with artists building upon each other's ideas. It’s all embodied expression that leaves room for multiple interpretations.