Purple Haze 2019

Mark Maggiori painted ‘Purple Haze’ with oils to capture a scene of cowboys on horseback. The horse itself, noble and steadfast, has been a symbol of power and freedom across cultures. We see it in ancient Greek equestrian statues, emblems of Roman authority, and here, as a companion of the American West. Their bond represents a harmony between man and nature, a theme echoed through time. Consider how horses in Renaissance paintings elevated rulers, while here they symbolize the untamed spirit of the frontier. The vast landscape, painted with an almost dreamlike quality, is a powerful force, engaging viewers on a deep, subconscious level. The motifs are cyclical and non-linear, resurfacing, evolving, and taking on new meanings in different historical contexts.