My Subjective Opinion On "The Wave" by Marciel Camillo Ayala

"The Wave" uses juxtaposition of different compositional elements to create a piece that explores the realms of human life and finding its meaning. The focus of the painting, the water, symbolizes life itself. And the form the water is in, a river, represents the fluidity and constant change of life. The artist uses different shades of blue, both dark and light, to arise feelings of contrast in which change in our lives can be wanted, unwanted, or even conceivably both. Furthermore, the nearly symmetrical disturbances in the water – which can be referred to as the ripples in the water – create a sense of division between expectations and reality. On the left, we see a rocky, precipitous, and rough side that symbolizes reality. On the right side, we see a smooth, fluid landscape with rolling hills that symbolizes expectations of reality. This comparison of reality vs. expectations identifies with the saying, "the grass is always greener on the other side," and can be clearly connected to the expectations side, in which there is a greater and much more noticeable presence of the colour green. In between these two sides, the objects within the water – which the viewers may envision of as themselves – embody the struggles endured in real life, while reaching for those expectations. Above everything happening in the painting, the blue sky represents and symbolizes human ambitions and desires for mystery, depth, and meaning. The clouds that seem to break up the sky depict obstacles and hurdles we face. White symbolizes truth; hence the clouds may embody the truths we have to face in order to continue to pursue our desires and aspirations. Finally, the entire painting has been painted from a perspective in which all elements of the piece disappear into the horizon. This gives the impression and mood of indefiniteness – that life goes on. To conclude, "The Wave," utilizes surrealistic juxtaposition to represent realistic human emotions and life.