A bucket full of treasures 2020

Amy Sherald’s painting presents a contemporary figure adorned with curious symbols. The sun, emblazoned on the subject’s chest, is a potent symbol, echoing ancient solar deities and the life-giving force recognized across cultures from Egypt to the Incas. Consider how the sun, in Renaissance allegories, often represents enlightenment and divine knowledge. Yet, here, it appears alongside a lobster—a creature associated with the sea, the subconscious, and perhaps even primordial instincts. The juxtaposition is striking. It reminds me of alchemical emblems where the sun and moon symbolize opposing forces striving for balance. Sherald seems to be engaging with this historical visual language. In doing so, she invites us to delve into the depths of our own cultural memories. We must question how these symbols resonate within the collective unconscious. It is through this resonance that we may find new meaning in the painted image.