On Alabama
Saturday, April 30th, 2011 » By James Connolly » See more posts from Uncategorized
The Roger Brown Study Collection community sends out our condolences to the families and individuals directly affected by the devastating tornadoes that hit the Southern states on Thursday, April 27, 2011. We were especially troubled to hear about the catastrophe and casualties in Alabama, Roger Brown’s home state. Our hearts go out to those who have suffered personal loss due to the tornadoes. No matter where they are in the world we will be thinking of you.
Twister, 1972, 48 3/8 x 60 ½
During such a difficult time we look to Roger Brown and his works to help us sort through and meditate on what has happened. Roger loved Alabama intensely- his passion for the community and land could be seen in his works and collections throughout his life. However Roger also understood the awe striking power and terror that nature can conjure. His painting Twister (1972, 48 3/8 x 60 1/2) depicts this understanding and respect for nature. In the painting one can see the tornado on the verge of tearing across the land. Almost all the people in the picture are frozen in fright. However one solitary man stands in the bottom right corner pensively gazing at the oncoming force.
Roger ‘s message is an important and extremely relevant one:
We are torn by what has happened in Alabama and the other Southern states. But it is important to realize that it is during these moments that humanity genuinely and selflessly comes together. Together the world can heal the scars left by any disaster.
-Ariel Fang
