Bb 0035 Zagged home Steve&MarionIsham sqs Steve& Marion Isham

The drawing presents a scene centered around a pedestrian crossing, dominated by a dark-colored automobile poised at its edge. A figure, rendered with exaggerated features and clad in green attire, stands adjacent to the crossing, his face tilted upwards in an expression of apparent elation or perhaps disorientation. The composition is framed by stark blackness, which isolates the central action and intensifies the visual impact of the elements within.
The vehicle’s presence immediately establishes a sense of potential danger or disruption. Its dark color contributes to this feeling, while the license plate – bearing the alphanumeric code AZ 92 – adds an element of specificity that resists easy interpretation. The circular window in the cars side reveals a landscape scene, seemingly idyllic and pastoral, which creates a jarring contrast with the immediate foreground. This juxtaposition suggests a disconnect between outward appearance and inner reality or perhaps a commentary on the artificiality of constructed landscapes.
The figure’s posture and expression are particularly noteworthy. His upward gaze and open mouth convey an emotional state that is difficult to definitively categorize; it could be interpreted as joy, surprise, or even a kind of manic energy. The details on his clothing – patches and emblems – are rendered with considerable precision, hinting at affiliations or identities that remain ambiguous without further context.
The use of light and shadow is also significant. Harsh shadows are cast by the vehicle, emphasizing its mass and creating a sense of foreboding. The figure is partially illuminated, highlighting his features while simultaneously obscuring aspects of his form. This interplay of light and dark contributes to the overall feeling of unease and ambiguity that permeates the drawing.
The inclusion of what appear to be insects – rendered in detail – clinging to the tire further complicates the narrative. These creatures introduce a sense of decay, infestation, or perhaps even an unsettling natural presence intruding upon the manufactured environment. Their placement suggests a subtle commentary on vulnerability and the fragility of human constructs.
Overall, the drawing appears to explore themes of alienation, disruption, and the tension between constructed realities and underlying anxieties. The artist employs a combination of realistic detail and surreal juxtaposition to create a visually arresting image that resists straightforward interpretation, inviting viewers to engage with its complexities and consider its potential subtexts.