In Our Care Lesley Harrison

The artwork presents a scene of two aquatic mammals afloat on water. The composition is dominated by a vibrant blue hue, which serves as both background and reflective surface. This intense color saturates the visual field, creating a sense of immersion and emphasizing the animals environment.
Here we see two creatures nestled together, their bodies forming a dense, textured mass that rises from the water’s surface. The artist has rendered them with meticulous detail; individual hairs are discernible, contributing to a tactile quality. One animal is positioned slightly higher than the other, its gaze directed outward, seemingly observing something beyond the frame. The second creature appears more withdrawn, its face partially obscured by the fur of its companion.
The water itself is not depicted as still or placid. Instead, it exhibits a dynamic surface with visible ripples and reflections that distort the light. These patterns contribute to a feeling of movement and suggest an underlying current. The artist’s use of color here isnt merely representational; the blue tones evoke a sense of coolness, depth, and perhaps even melancholy.
Subtextually, the work seems to explore themes of interdependence and vulnerability. The animals’ close proximity suggests a reliance on one another for warmth, safety, or comfort. Their presence in this aquatic setting implies a fragility – they are entirely dependent on their environment for survival. The outward gaze of one animal could be interpreted as a symbol of hope or vigilance, while the others withdrawn posture might represent apprehension or quiet resilience.
The overall impression is one of delicate beauty and understated concern. It prompts reflection on the responsibility humans have towards these creatures and the ecosystems they inhabit.