kb Laager Ken-Where Goblins Dwell SP9 Ken Laager

The composition presents a solitary figure within a landscape dominated by monumental rock formations under a starlit sky. Here we see a man, presumably indigenous based on his attire and physical characteristics, standing in what appears to be a desolate, rocky terrain. He is clad in simple garments – a loincloth and sandals – and holds a spear; a feather adorns the shaft. A horse stands beside him, tethered by a rope held loosely in his hand.
The rock formations are striking. They possess an almost anthropomorphic quality, with one particularly prominent structure resembling a weathered face or head emerging from the stone. Their scale dwarfs the man, emphasizing his isolation and vulnerability within this environment. The lighting is dramatic; the deep blue of the night sky contrasts sharply with the lighter tones of the rocks and the figure’s skin, creating a sense of mystery and perhaps even foreboding.
The artist has employed a realistic style, rendering details such as the texture of the rock, the mans musculature, and the horse’s coat with considerable precision. This realism lends an air of authenticity to the scene, despite its fantastical elements – the unusual rock formations suggest a place beyond the familiar.
Several subtexts emerge from this depiction. The presence of the horse introduces a note of cultural collision; it is an animal not native to the man’s likely environment. It suggests contact with outside forces or perhaps a displacement from a traditional way of life. The mans posture – his hand raised to his face, as if in contemplation or distress – implies a moment of profound reflection or spiritual connection. He seems to be listening intently, suggesting an awareness of something beyond the visible realm – perhaps the goblins alluded to in the title.
The landscape itself can be interpreted symbolically. The imposing rocks might represent ancient wisdom, ancestral spirits, or the enduring power of nature. The vastness of the night sky reinforces a sense of insignificance and the immensity of the universe. Overall, the painting evokes themes of solitude, cultural encounter, spiritual awareness, and the relationship between humanity and the natural world.