Pray for peace

Religion and Spirituality

Pray For Peace

by Vann Nath, 2009

Describe:

Analyze:

Interpret:

- Mostly earthy colors: brown, white, blue, green, and black
- figures of women kneeling with hands together in prayer, all black hair except two closest have white hair
-women in foreground are clear, but those in background blur gradually
- primarily edge lines, but also implied and lightning is actual
- dark blue storm clouds overhead, white lines/the rain fall diagonally into the women
- sea green choppy waves next to shore
- land looks textured, rocky, rugged

- Eyes are first drawn to white haired women in the bottom left, then follows the rest diagonally to the top right
- very little negative space; the people, ocean, and storm dominate the painting
- contrast between land and sea by color difference
- unity in figures because of positions are the same
- choppy waves, frowns on the faces, and dark storm gives a desperate feeling

In this work of art, I believe that vann Nath is portraying how people can endure suffering and desperation through prayer. The storm with its lightning streaking the sky and the choppy waves represent the chaos of the setting, and the women represent those who pray. Perhaps the women in front have white hair because they have the wisdom that comes with age to pray profusely through times of struggle. Although the colors of the women's garments vary, they are united by the same physical position and attire. Likewise, in prayer they are their own person while they pray as one.