This painting by Vincent Devine offers a thought provoking blend of anatomical precision and artistic abstraction. Devine often uses his art to explore themes of memory, identity, and the fragility of life. In this piece, he draws inspiration from James McNeill Whistler’s iconic use of tonal harmony, but reinterprets it through a contemporary lens.

The transparent quality of the horse’s form, revealing its skeletal structure and internal organs, symbolises vulnerability and the interconnectedness of life. The glowing teal and blue tones surrounding the horse evoke a dreamlike or otherworldly atmosphere, suggesting introspection and transcendence. This aesthetic choice may also be a nod to the fleeting yet enduring spirit of the horse, capturing its strength and fragility simultaneously.

Devine’s choice to work in this style and subject matter often reflects his interest in storytelling through layers. The horse, an emblem of power, freedom, and loyalty, becomes a canvas for deeper exploration of human emotions and existential themes. The juxtaposition of realism and surrealism invites the viewer to ponder the relationship between the physical and metaphysical worlds.