Title:
A Stroll
Creator/Contributor:
Hibi, Hisako
Date:
3/1/1944
Identifier:
96.601.25
Format:
painting
oil on canvas
Description:
Unframed stretched canvas. Image of a man and woman standing in a field with a watch tower in the background. There is a mountain
in the background.
Historical Note:
All of the World War II concentration camps in the United States were located in remote, deserted areas often with severe
weather conditions. Topaz was especially characterized by its drab, lifeless landscape. The alkaline soil of the desert
could sustain few types of plants and flowers. In this portrait of a couple taking a stroll Hisako Hibi underlines the empty,
barren environment of the area. A man and woman stand together in a clearing. The gem-like mountain range rises behind them.
Although Hibi's palette appears brighter than in some of her other works, the landscape remains relatively lifeless. The
guard tower at the left functions as a reminder that the context of the work is still that of Topaz concentration camp. The
couple stands a few feet from a single shoot that has sprouted in the desert soil. They almost appear to be paying their
respects to this tiny plant, due to their posture and bowed heads.
Subject:
Concentration Camps, Topaz | mountain | guard tower | people