Hurricane, Bahamas 1898

Winslow Homer's watercolor titled "Hurricane, Bahamas" captures a scene of nature's overwhelming power. The most prominent visual element is, of course, the bending palm trees under a brooding sky, signalling the intensity of the tropical storm. The palm, typically a symbol of peace and tropical paradise, here embodies a sense of vulnerability. We find similar visual tension in images of the Tree of Life, often depicted enduring trials that test its strength and resilience. Think of the way the tree is shown in art across cultures: from ancient Assyrian carvings to modern abstract interpretations, it symbolizes survival. In Homer’s work, the hurricane-whipped palms evoke a primal sense of unease. This brings to mind humanity’s smallness in the face of nature's chaotic forces, eliciting a powerful, subconscious emotional response. It reminds us of the cyclical patterns of destruction and renewal, a theme that endlessly resurfaces in art and life.