Friday 2 June 2017

Horse & Train

"Against a regiment, I oppose a brain, and a dark horse against an armoured train."


Canadian painter Alex Colville used to construct model trains as a little boy. He was a student of order. His father and grandfather owned horses.  It seemed the perfect mix, then, to paint an horse and a train in 1953.  But there was another source of inspiration for Colville's painting -- the poem A Dark Horse Against an Armoured Train published by South African writer Roy Campbell in 1949.  "Against a regiment, I oppose a brain, and a dark horse against an armoured train."  The setting for the painting is Aular, near Sackville, New Brunswick where the elevated tracks cross the Tantramar Marshes.

The order that Colville thrived on as a little boy was upset by the images he saw and sketched during the Second World War, particularly the massive piles of bodies in the concentration camp, Bergen Belsen.  When Colville returned to Canada after the war, he tried to make sense out of the disorder in the world through existentialism.  He sought to embrace existence and to find meaning in his life.  The Horse and Train painting symbolizes the freedom of both the horse and the engineer:  while on a collision course, the horse could change direction at any time and the engineer could apply the brakes.  At the same time, as one columnist pointed out:  "Everything in an Alex Colville painting has an air of inevitability." https://www.thestar.com/entertainment/visualarts/2013/07/26/art_gallery_of_hamiltons_shrine_to_alex_colvilles_horse_and_train.html

Horse and Train, arguably Colville's most famous piece, was acquired by the Hamilton ARt Gallery in 1957 where it remains to this day.




Colville_04.jpg




5 comments:

  1. Struggling with algebra assignments? Fear not! Top 3 Websites Algebra Assignment Help in Uk is here to guide you through the complexities. Expert assistance ensures accurate solutions and a deeper understanding of algebraic concepts. Say goodbye to academic stress and hello to improved grades.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Programming assignment help is a lifesaver for students grappling with complex coding tasks. The assistance from experts ensures timely delivery of high-quality solutions, easing the academic burden. As someone who has benefited from Programming Assignment Help I can attest to its effectiveness in enhancing understanding and boosting overall performance. It's a valuable resource that bridges the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application, guiding students toward success in the dynamic world of programming.

    ReplyDelete
  3. This insightful article highlights the TOP 3 Assignment Help Companies in UK, providing valuable guidance for students seeking reliable academic assistance. The featured companies demonstrate a commitment to quality, expertise, and customer satisfaction, making them standout choices in the competitive field of assignment help services. For UK students navigating the challenges of academic assignments, this curated list serves as a helpful resource in making informed decisions for their educational success.

    ReplyDelete

  4. Nice Blog! Explore top-notch Nursing Assignment Services for academic success. Expert guidance, personalized assistance, and transformative support await on trusted online platforms. Join the conversation and share your insights. Elevate your nursing education journey today!

    ReplyDelete
  5. Great Blog! Information Technology Assignment Help is a game-changer! 🚀 'nursingassignmentservices.com' offers expert guidance, efficient coding solutions, and a holistic learning experience. Navigating IT assignments has never been this seamless. Kudos to the platform for empowering students in the dynamic world of Information Technology! 🌐💡 #ITSuccess #AssignmentHelp

    ReplyDelete