On Fire #4

Date1995

MediumOil on canvas

Dimensions18 × 18 in. (45.7 × 45.7 cm)

ClassificationsPainting

Credit LineGift of Dennis Nawrocki, 2018

Object numberUAC6588

DescriptionA mystifying hand rises from an evident abyss. Sprouting from each fingertip reveals a flame stretching towards the edge of the painting. The hand’s pale nature clashes with the darkened yet textured background. Hints of color in the hand reveal life; the cool-toned pinks, blues, and yellows of the hand are distinct against the blazing essence that erupts from the digits. Fire sparks seem to flicker through the background almost aimlessly.

The disposition of the hand itself is compelling, its physical state seems to waver midair, almost looking pixelated around the edges, radiating a pink aura. This could be a recollection of one’s actions, leaving a permanent effect on the world, possibly in regret or excitement. Whether the burning sensation is negative or positive, we know that the fire, flaring from the fingertips, is an intense notion. The extreme force of the fire against the cold, possibly lifeless hand, leaves viewers questioning.

Evidently, the fire could symbolize destruction or even death juxtaposed with a glimpse of life, a hand. From the ashes of the flame blooms new life. The phases of death and life contrast each other all while complementing one another, an endless cycle every living thing experiences. Just like fire, people undergo many changes, phases, and transformations. This painting could be representative of shedding an old sense of self, and forming a new identity. The fire melts off a layer of skin as we shed a layer, revealing a new person.

Betty Brownlee is a true-hearted Detroiter. She lives and works in Detroit and graduated from Wayne State with a BFA in weaving and a MFA in painting. She has taught various classes at Wayne State University, College of Creative Studies, Henry Ford College, and Detroit Institute of Music Education.
Written by Colleen Sikorski

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