August in the Desert 

Carrie Graber created "August in the Desert," reflecting a contemporary gaze on leisure and the stark realities of desert life. Born in 1975, Graber's work exists within a dialogue about the commodification of nature and the artificial paradises humans construct. The painting presents a sun-drenched swimming pool, a common oasis in arid landscapes. The pool becomes a stage where class, access, and environmental concerns intersect. Who has the privilege to cool off while others face water scarcity? The desert, often romanticized, is here tamed into suburban comfort. Graber’s detail-oriented style underscores the hyper-reality of this constructed environment. There’s a subtle tension. What is the emotional undercurrent of this seemingly serene scene? Does it offer solace, or does it highlight our complex relationship with nature and privilege? This painting invites us to reflect on what we seek from our environments and at what cost.