Distress Call 1979

Kit Williams created this painting, *Distress Call,* employing surreal imagery and symbols that beckon the viewer to deeper reflection. Notice the juxtaposition of the nude figure with a bird obscuring her face. Birds often symbolize freedom, but here, it seems to eclipse the woman's identity. The nest of fledglings with mouths agape draws our eye. Across cultures and eras, the nest is a symbol of home, safety, and nurturing. The human female body is placed in contrast with the animal nest, bringing forward subconscious associations and memories. Consider other artworks featuring birds and nests; the symbolism of birds as messengers or omens recur throughout art history. The painting triggers complex emotions: vulnerability and natural connection. The car in the background is a modern note that makes us consider the relationship between nature and the modern world. "Distress Call" captures a non-linear progression of these symbols, and how they have resurfaced, evolved, and taken on new meanings in our modern context.