Iceberg 2010

Bo Bartlett painted this Iceberg using oil on linen, a traditional pairing that gives the image a depth and texture. The artist’s hand is evident in the brushstrokes. See how they build up the form of the iceberg and describe the movement of the water. Oil paint allows for layering and blending, creating a luminosity that captures the ethereal quality of the arctic landscape. It invites us to consider the sheer amount of work required to produce a painting. From preparing the linen to the application of each layer of pigment, the artist's labor is embedded in the final image. This attention to process invites a broader reflection on human impact on these environments. It reminds us that art, like the melting icebergs, is always situated within broader ecological and social realities.