Empire 2007

Bo Bartlett painted "Empire," sometime after 1955, using oil on linen. In it, a lone figure stands atop a barren mound, gazing out at a scorched landscape. Bartlett, who grew up in rural Georgia, has long been interested in exploring quintessentially American themes within his work. The figure’s mohawk hints at a certain kind of rebellion. His gaze is ambiguous: is it one of hope or despair? The sickle in his hand evokes images of labor, land and perhaps a sense of impending conflict. The scenes of destruction in the background suggest a world scarred by industrialization or war, and the solitary figure becomes a symbol of resilience and defiance in the face of environmental catastrophe. "Empire" invites us to contemplate our relationship with the land, and the consequences of our actions upon it. It is a call for awareness, urging us to confront our own roles within this unfolding narrative.