BerenzyAlix-IntoTheSea12-sj Alix Berenzy

Here we observe a diptych depicting an underwater scene, divided by a stark vertical black band. The left panel presents a looming presence: a shark dominates the foreground, its dark form emerging from a purple-tinged water column. It is positioned close to the viewer, creating a sense of immediacy and potential threat. Below the surface, a bed of long, slender aquatic plants obscures much of the seabed, adding depth and complexity to the composition. Scattered amongst these plants are smaller marine organisms – a starfish, several fish, and what appears to be an anemone – suggesting a fragile ecosystem. The lighting is subdued, emphasizing the shark’s silhouette and creating an atmosphere of mystery and tension.
The right panel offers a contrasting perspective. A sea turtle glides gracefully through the water, its shell rendered in muted greens and browns. It occupies a similar spatial depth to the shark on the left, but its posture conveys serenity rather than menace. The seabed here is more visible, populated by schools of small fish and other marine life. The color palette remains cool, with blues and purples dominating, but the overall impression is one of tranquility and harmony.
The central black band serves as a significant compositional element. It not only divides the two scenes but also introduces an artificiality that disrupts the natural flow of the underwater environment. This division could be interpreted as representing a duality – perhaps the inherent conflict between predator and prey, or the contrasting human perspectives on marine life: one of fear and apprehension (left panel), the other of peaceful observation and appreciation (right panel). The starkness of the band also suggests an imposed barrier, hinting at the impact of human intervention on the oceans delicate balance.
The subtexts embedded within this work explore themes of vulnerability, power dynamics, and the complex relationship between humans and the natural world. The juxtaposition of a formidable predator with a gentle herbivore prompts reflection on the interconnectedness of life and the precarious nature of ecosystems.