The Migration Simon Combes (1940-2004)

The artwork presents a vast expanse of grassland under a heavy, overcast sky. The foreground is dominated by a dense herd of animals – gnu and zebra are readily identifiable – moving across the terrain. Their forms blend into one another, creating a sense of collective motion and overwhelming numbers. The artist has rendered them with broad brushstrokes, prioritizing mass over individual detail, which reinforces their status as part of a larger, unstoppable force.
The landscape itself is characterized by an almost monochromatic palette of ochre and brown tones, evoking the dry season and suggesting a harsh environment. Scattered acacia trees punctuate the horizon line, providing minimal visual relief from the flatness of the plains. The distant hills are muted in color and detail, further emphasizing the immense scale of the scene and the animals’ journey across it.
The composition is structured to draw the viewers eye into the distance, creating a feeling of endlessness. This perspective underscores the cyclical nature of the depicted event – a continuous movement dictated by instinct and environmental factors. The dark framing around the edges isolates the scene, intensifying its impact and suggesting a sense of observation from afar.
Subtly, the work explores themes of survival, resilience, and the power of collective action. The animals’ migration is not portrayed as a leisurely stroll but rather as an essential undertaking for their continued existence. Theres a palpable tension between the beauty of the natural world and the inherent struggle for life within it. The overcast sky hints at potential challenges – drought, predators – that lie ahead, adding another layer to the narrative of perseverance. Ultimately, the painting conveys a profound sense of the raw, untamed forces that shape both the animal kingdom and the broader environment.