RealEstate Barbara Norfleet

The artwork presents a miniature landscape populated by oversized insects. Here we see a constructed environment, seemingly a desert or arid terrain, rendered with meticulous detail in small-scale materials. The ground is composed of fine sand and gravel, punctuated by patches of red and white material that suggest geological formations or perhaps abstract markers. A central structure, built from dark stones arranged in a circular pattern, rises prominently from the landscape.
Three insects dominate the scene. One, positioned on a slender branch extending from the left side of the frame, appears to be a type of beetle with elongated antennae. Another, centrally located and perched atop the stone structure, is a large cockroach, its posture suggesting an almost regal observation of its surroundings. A third insect, vibrant green in color, clings to a twig on the right side of the composition.
The sky above is painted in muted purples and grays, creating a sense of foreboding or perhaps a surreal atmosphere. The lighting appears diffused, casting soft shadows that emphasize the textures of the landscape and the insects bodies.
Subtleties within the work suggest several possible interpretations. The scale disparity between the insects and their environment immediately establishes an unsettling feeling – a distortion of natural proportions that invites contemplation about power dynamics or altered perspectives. The arrangement of stones in the central structure could be interpreted as a symbolic representation of human intervention, perhaps alluding to construction, control, or even exploitation of resources within a fragile ecosystem.
The insects themselves, often associated with decay and resilience, might symbolize adaptability and survival in harsh conditions. Their presence on the constructed landscape implies an uneasy coexistence between natural life and artificial structures. The color choices – the earthy tones of the ground contrasting with the vivid green of one insect – further contribute to a sense of tension and visual interest. Overall, the piece evokes themes of environmental fragility, human impact, and the unsettling beauty found in unexpected juxtapositions.