Sanderson, Ruth – Unicorns 11 (end Ruth Sanderson

The composition presents a nocturnal scene dominated by a swirling atmosphere and a group of equine figures. A cluster of tall structures, suggestive of a cityscape, occupies the upper portion of the frame, silhouetted against a clouded sky punctuated by a prominent moon. The lower half is consumed by an almost palpable mist or fog, obscuring much of the ground plane.
Within this atmospheric veil, three creatures – clearly equine in form and possessing single horns on their foreheads – gallop forward. Their manes and tails are rendered as flowing masses, contributing to the overall sense of movement and dynamism. The artist’s application of paint is textured, with visible brushstrokes that enhance the feeling of turbulence within the scene. A limited palette of cool tones – predominantly blues, purples, and grays – reinforces the somber mood and contributes to a dreamlike quality.
The juxtaposition of these fantastical creatures against an urban backdrop introduces a compelling tension. The city’s presence suggests a world of human activity and industrialization, while the unicorns embody myth, purity, and perhaps even escape. Their flight through the mist could be interpreted as a symbolic retreat from the encroaching influence of civilization or a yearning for a lost wilderness.
The obscured ground plane further amplifies this sense of displacement. The viewer is denied any clear understanding of where these creatures are going or what awaits them, fostering an ambiguity that invites multiple interpretations. The moon’s presence, often associated with intuition and the subconscious, adds another layer to the works enigmatic nature. It suggests a realm beyond rational comprehension, one where myth and reality intertwine.
Ultimately, the painting evokes a feeling of melancholy and longing, hinting at a world where magic persists alongside modernity, yet remains elusive and just out of reach.