In der Savanne Ostafrikas 1905

Editor: This is "In der Savanne Ostafrikas" by Wilhelm Kuhnert, painted in 1905, using oil paints. The African savanna is very inviting, I feel at peace just gazing at this canvas. What do you see in this piece? Curator: The key symbol that captures my attention is, undeniably, the tree, solid in the foreground. Consider the ancient reverence for trees across cultures, often seen as connections between the earthly and spiritual realms. It grounds the viewer, offering a sense of stability, almost an invitation to consider a deeper understanding. Editor: I see what you mean! The tree does give me that kind of deep feeling, but also that the land behind is also a vital element? Curator: Indeed. Landscape itself acts as a symbol. What does "savanna" evoke for you, if you allow associations to arise from within? Editor: I think the savanna shows how wild nature endures and holds the place of memory, especially colonial memory since this was painted in 1905? Curator: Yes, that memory is right at the heart of it! The gaze drifts further into the painting, where the presence of a solitary antelope hints at the region's abundant wildlife. But that antelope is also quite small in relation to the land and vegetation. How might that proportion make you reflect upon our relationship with nature? Editor: It shows nature as greater than ourselves; so grand and imposing! And us being visitors, small figures within it. I hadn't really thought of that initially. Thank you. Curator: Exactly. And that feeling reflects a very old connection. Perhaps an old reverence is returning in these new images.