In our joyful conversation with Brooklyn-based painter Lesley Wamsley, the artist reflects on the personal and historical consciousness of place and time. The painting was made in the summer of 2020 while wildfires were raging on the West Coast. On this day, the air in NYC was thick and heavy. The pollution conditions created enough haze – almost like a veil – that she could look directly at the sun. She created a composition that focused on its color, intensity, and apocalyptic quality. As the sun was setting, she stopped. Her painting was done. Much later, Lesley noticed a striking resemblance to Monet’s revolutionary painting Impression, Sunrise
Fire Sign, 2020
Oil on panel
12 x 9 inches / 30,5 x 22,9 cm
