Red Velvet 

Mark Beck painted this contemporary piece, “Red Velvet,” with a clear interest in how colors and architectural forms evoke particular sensations and memories. Notice how the awnings crown the windows of these houses. These striped canopies remind us of ancient Roman villas where awnings, or vela, provided shade and suggested leisure and luxury. Think of the maritime paintings of the Dutch Golden Age where similar colors and architectural motifs speak to trade and prosperity. The window itself, often seen as a portal to the soul, is framed and sheltered, inviting contemplation of the world outside and the life within. The vibrant colors of the houses evoke feelings of nostalgia. Bright hues like these were used in children's books and toys, creating an atmosphere of safety and play. It is a reminder that color and form are powerful forces that engage us on a deep, subconscious level. It represents not a linear progression, but a cyclical resurgence, reminding us of the enduring power of images to shape and reflect our collective experiences.