Ark Nova by Silvian Sternhagel

About "Ark Nova"

by Silvian Sternhagel

About the artwork

This portrait-format oil painting is distinguished, as always, by the use of first-class colours.

An enormous ship floats above the water level and has lowered a rope ladder through an opening in the hull. Below, on the reddish surface of the water, several rafts are already gathering, loaded with animals of various species.

Another raft, closer to the viewer, is moving slowly and skilfully through the dramatic red to orange water current towards the large, roundish ship. Animals are visible on this closer raft, including two elephants and two giraffes, but also numerous other species. Whether they are Uganda giraffes or another subspecies remains open.

The large ship in the middle of the mountain valley bears the name "Ark Nova" and thus embodies a "new Ark". In its compressed, curved form, it could adapt to the conditions of the rocky surroundings and possibly escape from the threatening-looking gorge. A tall tower at the stern of the ship appears to be a viewing platform, possibly to be used in anticipation of future events, similar to the biblical story of Noah's Ark.

This ship appears to be anything but ordinary, as it already seems to float above the water, carried by invisible forces. The red hue of the water gives it a menacing atmosphere.

Although it is not raining at the moment, rays of light seem to penetrate the gorge and illuminate it in a friendly way, as if the well-known prophecies were not true.

The scene leaves many questions and makes us think about our faith and the future of our world.

The painting is done on a smooth, textured canvas, stretched tightly on a stretcher frame, of course.