pa LassenCR 40 Sanctuary Christian Riese Lassen

The composition presents a fantastical landscape where terrestrial and aquatic realms converge. Here we observe a dramatic interplay between cascading waterfalls and a submerged environment teeming with marine life. The upper portion of the scene is dominated by lush vegetation clinging to steep rock formations, from which several waterfalls plunge into what appears to be an expansive body of water. Above this, a night sky filled with celestial bodies – spheres resembling planets or moons – adds a layer of otherworldly quality.
The lower half of the painting focuses on the underwater world. A pod of large cetaceans – likely whales – are depicted breaching the surface, their forms partially submerged and illuminated by an unseen light source. Surrounding them is a vibrant coral reef ecosystem populated with numerous fish species, shells, and other marine organisms. The water itself exhibits a luminous quality, suggesting depth and clarity while also contributing to the dreamlike atmosphere. A pod of dolphins swims closer to the viewer, their forms dynamic and full of movement.
The artist’s use of color is striking; intense blues and greens dominate the aquatic environment, contrasting with the darker tones of the vegetation and rock formations. The celestial bodies are rendered in warm hues – yellows and oranges – which create a sense of hope and serenity amidst the dramatic landscape.
Subtextually, the painting seems to explore themes of harmony between natures diverse elements. The juxtaposition of land and sea, terrestrial flora and marine fauna, suggests an idealized ecosystem where different species coexist peacefully. The presence of the whales breaching towards the sky could be interpreted as a symbol of transcendence or spiritual connection. The celestial bodies above reinforce this sense of something beyond the earthly realm – a suggestion of divine order or cosmic interconnectedness. Overall, the work conveys a message of reverence for nature and an aspiration toward a world where disparate elements are united in balance.