Riptide 

Danny Galieote painted "Riptide" in the 20th century using oils, a traditional medium, but with a contemporary twist. The painting’s smooth surface belies the painstaking layering involved in achieving such detail, especially in the figure’s muscular back and the lifesaver he holds aloft. The choice of oil paint, with its capacity for blending and creating luminous effects, allows Galieote to capture the dreamy, almost surreal quality of the scene. Yet, it's the scene itself that speaks volumes. The lifeguard, a symbol of vigilance, stands against an ethereal sky. But it is the life preserver that connects him to the working class. These are items mass-produced, designed for functionality, and destined for a life of hard service. Their presence elevates the painting beyond mere portraiture, grounding it in the realities of labor, safety, and collective responsibility. Galieote blurs the lines between fine art and the everyday, reminding us that meaning can be found not only in the subject, but also in the materials and the work they represent.