Willow on the Kupa river in Brodarci en plein-air 2019

Editor: Alfred Freddy Krupa's 2019 acrylic on canvas, "Willow on the Kupa River in Brodarci en plein-air," has such a powerful sense of movement. I find the brushstrokes so expressive, almost agitated. What visual cues do you observe? Curator: It is fascinating to observe how Krupa utilizes color and form to create such a dynamic image. The willow, a traditional symbol of grief and resilience, is rendered in swirling greens and blues, mirroring the flowing river. The very act of painting en plein air infuses the piece with immediacy, capturing a fleeting moment. What does the willow, a traditionally feminine symbol, suggest to you in this environment, almost overwhelmed by the masculine energy of the river? Editor: That's a great question. I guess I hadn't thought of the willow as feminine, but it’s interesting how that association might change when placed against something so powerful like a river. I still read the overall image as tranquil despite the aggressive brushwork. Curator: The willow's symbolism might offer a layer of interpretation: even in the face of turbulence and change, there's a sense of enduring beauty and quiet strength. Note how that beauty manifests in Krupa's brushstrokes, almost reminiscent of musical notation – a visual rhythm reflecting nature’s symphony. Do you see how the color scheme lends to that idea? Editor: I can definitely see how the repeated use of blues and greens creates a kind of harmonious repetition that ties the whole composition together. That adds another dimension to what I thought was an expressionistic scene! Curator: Exactly! Consider also the persistence of cultural memory embedded in landscape painting itself; we bring our own histories and associations to our reading of this landscape. I’ve really enjoyed untangling that with you! Editor: Me too! I'm going to remember to consider an object's environment and color whenever analyzing symbolism.