El Verano 1960

Joan Brown's striking painting 'El Verano' presents us with an array of symbols rendered in bold, expressive strokes. Foremost, the watermelon slice suspended in the upper register is a potent emblem of summer's abundance and the carefree joy of the season. Consider the presence of a pyramidal form below, evocative of ancient Egyptian monuments, symbols of endurance and mystery. This motif connects us to the cyclical nature of civilizations and the enduring quest for understanding and meaning. The contrast between the ephemeral watermelon and the steadfast pyramid invites reflection on the fleeting and the eternal. We might recall depictions of pyramids in Renaissance emblem books that have symbolized wisdom and stability. This shows a non-linear progression in which a symbol resurfaces, evolves, and takes on new meanings in different historical contexts, engaging viewers on a subconscious level. Through her artistic gesture, Brown taps into a deep well of collective memory, inviting us to ponder the layers of cultural symbolism embedded within our subconscious minds.