Aw 015 The Mock Turtles Story LisbethZwergert sqs Lisbeth Zwergert

The composition presents a surreal scene populated by anthropomorphic creatures observing a peculiar maritime spectacle. A band of turtles, rendered in muted tones and possessing distinctly human-like postures, occupies the foreground. They are arranged along a horizontal plane of ochre, their gazes directed upwards toward an unusual aerial display.
Above them, suspended against a pale blue sky, float several objects: what appear to be stylized fish or aquatic mammals, alongside three small turtles seemingly in mid-air descent. A ship, its sails adorned with playing card motifs – hearts and diamonds – is positioned further back on the horizon line, contributing to the dreamlike quality of the scene. The water itself is depicted as a solid block of deep indigo, creating a stark contrast with the sandy foreground and the pale sky above.
The arrangement suggests a narrative unfolding, though its precise meaning remains ambiguous. The turtles’ posture – their upright stance and focused attention – implies they are witnesses to an extraordinary event. Their expressions, however, are difficult to discern, leaving room for varied interpretations regarding their emotional response. Are they amused? Concerned? Simply observing with detached curiosity?
The floating creatures introduce a sense of the fantastical, disrupting any semblance of natural order. The ship’s sails, decorated with playing cards, hint at themes of chance, games, and perhaps even deception or illusion. The color palette is restrained, dominated by earth tones and cool blues, which contributes to an atmosphere of quiet contemplation rather than overt drama.
Subtly, the work seems to explore ideas of perspective and perception. The turtles’ viewpoint dictates what we see, highlighting the subjective nature of experience. The unusual combination of familiar elements – turtles, a ship, water – with surreal additions creates a space for imaginative engagement and invites viewers to construct their own meaning from this enigmatic tableau.