Ever wondered what a horse might think standing belly-deep in a flooded room? Here at Landsberger Allee 121, the mural Die Sonne wird im Ozean versinken offers a vexing scene. It prompts reflection on nature’s power.
The mural Die Sonne wird im Ozean versinken was created in 2017. Ricky Lee Gordon, a South African artist, painted it as part of the One Wall project. This project is supported by the Urban Nation Museum.
Look closely. A gray horse stands calmly in glittering water. The water fills an antique-style room. White doves flutter through a window. Light fills the room. It is a surreal image.
Ricky Lee Gordon’s high-contrast style evokes old black and white photographs. Up close, the contours blur. This effect challenges our sense of reality. What is real? What is not?
Consider the mural’s title. Die Sonne wird im Ozean versinken translates to “The Sun Will Sink into the Ocean.” Below this, faded words appear. They read: “The moon and the water will rise. The kings in their castles are washed away.”
These words deepen the mural’s message. Die Sonne wird im Ozean versinken symbolizes hope. It shows nature resisting destruction. It highlights humanity’s powerlessness.
Ricky Lee Gordon is known for his murals worldwide. He is self-taught. He began formal studies in 2016 in Los Angeles. His art explores social issues. It also examines the relationship between humans and nature.
The location of Die Sonne wird im Ozean versinken enhances its impact. It resides on a building side. The mural makes you think.
The artist uses the horse in the flooded palace to represent nature’s resistance. He suggests that humanity’s pursuit of progress harms the earth. We are connected to nature. The mural offers an optimistic view. It says that the uncertainty we feel is okay. Nature will continue as needed.
Stand here. Let your eyes absorb the violet-gray tones. Consider the message. Ricky Lee Gordon prompts us to ponder our place in the world. The mural Die Sonne wird im Ozean versinken is more than paint. It is a statement about our times.