Testament of the Powers That Be (Where Trees Turn to Sand, Residual Colours Stain the Lands) 2001

Jo Baer’s painting, "Testament of the Powers That Be (Where Trees Turn to Sand, Residual Colours Stain the Lands)" evokes a desolate landscape. The painting presents a stark commentary on environmental degradation and its impact on marginalized communities. Baer’s composition contrasts natural forms, such as mountains, with industrial structures like a dam. A caravan of camels in the foreground emphasizes the displacement and struggle of those dependent on the land, and critiques the devastating consequences of unchecked industrialization. The title suggests a narrative of loss and resilience, alluding to the human cost of environmental destruction. This artwork is charged with emotion, inviting us to consider the ethical dimensions of progress and its disproportionate effects on vulnerable populations. Baer prompts us to contemplate the legacies we leave behind, urging a more sustainable and equitable future.