Baby Mermaid 

Michael Parkes painted ‘Baby Mermaid’ to explore themes of innocence and the merging of different worlds. The mermaid motif is a deeply ingrained cultural symbol. It represents the allure of the unknown, especially the sea, and the boundaries between nature and humanity. Parkes’ choice to depict her as a baby could be interpreted as an attempt to strip away the traditional sexualization of the mermaid, focusing instead on a pure, untainted connection to the natural world. Looking at the image more closely, notice how the division of space emphasizes this duality: land vs. sea, known vs. unknown, human vs. animal. The cool color palette adds to the sense of mystery and wonder. It also critiques the institutions of art by representing an ideal, a perfect world in nature and the innocence of youth. Understanding the meaning of this artwork is enhanced through research into mythology, art history, and social commentary, revealing how art responds to and reflects the anxieties and aspirations of its time.