




An image that caught my attention is “Betrayal” by Mario Sanchez Nevado.  This image calls to attention the affect that modern human civilization has on Nature.  In this image, two main objects are used to convey a clear and concise message.  The two main objects are a revolver being held by a hand and a representation of mother nature.  In this picture, the revolver is pointed exactly in the direction of the head of mother nature.  These two objects are on different sides of a line that divides the picture into two different tones, one of a dark mood and one of a lighter mood.  The use of different colors, symbols, and tones can be used to understand the deep and powerful meaning of this picture.

The first noticeable aspect of this picture is the abundant use of color on either side of the line that divides this picture.  The side with the hand and the revolver has colors like blue, grey, black, red, and orange.  The colors grey and black in this picture represent a dark and evil definition for the revolver.  The use of blue on this side of the picture represents a depressing mood due to the fact that the revolver is being pointed right at the mouth of mother nature on the other side of the picture.  The use of orange and red usually represents power or destruction.  On the side of the picture with the revolver, orange and red used in the hand represents the destructive power that the hand has in respect with the revolver.  Another use of red on this side of the picture is seen on the lips of the revolver.  The red used here does not necessarily represent power but deception of the figurative and, in this case, literal fatal kiss that the revolver has to offer.

On the side of the picture with mother nature, the colors used are of a happy, beautiful, and pure mood.  Colors like white, green, brown, pink, purple, scarlet, blue, and orange are used to represent mother nature.  The use of white and blue represents the purity and cleanliness of nature.  These colors can be observed in the sky and water which, in this picture, is unscathed by anything un-clean.  The use of green and brown often appear throughout this side of the picture.  These two colors are used to help communicate that the main symbol of this side of the picture is that of nature.  The colors pink, purple, and scarlet on this side of the picture can be seen in the trees, flowers, and lips of mother nature.  These colors represent the absolute beauty she portrays.  

The colors used on both sides of the picture by themselves are powerful and full of meaning.  The colors used with the hand-held revolver are accurate in describing the dark and deceptive nature portrayed on that side of the picture.  The same can be said about the side with mother nature.  The colors used on that side of the picture are used very accurately to convey the peaceful and beautiful characteristics of nature.

Colors used in this picture supplement the meaning that the symbols have on each other.  The two main symbols used in this picture, mother nature and a hand-held revolver, communicate the destructive pattern of the human race and the outcome that our lifestyle will have on mother nature.  Symbols used on the side with the revolver represent man’s civilization and actions that we do that have a destructive characteristic.  The revolver is composed of a city on the top, a blade on the bottom, and a cocked hammer.  The city on top is under construction which represents man’s society is always expanding and progressing.  This expansion in the picture can be thought of as lengthening the barrel.  A longer barrel usually represents a bigger and more powerful fire arm that is more destructive.  A blade on the bottom of a firearm is usually seen as a bayonet on a rifle used in war.  The blade in the picture represents the destruction brought about when times of war are present or occurring.  A cocked hammer on a fire arm represents the immediate or at least imminent discharge of a munition.  In the picture, the cocked hammer represents the destruction brought to mother nature by humans is seemingly imminent.

The symbol that also has a powerful but underlying representation is the hand holding the revolver.  The hand is an aged, human hand that is both dark and apparently ignited.  A hand on any firearm usually is the actual source of destruction due to the choice to motivate or disavow the action of firing a munition.  In the picture, the hand represents the fuel for the destructive force behind the revolver.  The age of the hand implies that this threat has been in the making for a long period of time.  The darkness of the hand represents the evil motive of the human race or possibly coal.  Coal fuels many of human’s societies.  The hand also appears to be ignited like that of a burning coal, red and glowing.  

On the other side of the picture, the symbol used is a representation of mother nature.  This can be derived from the female figure of the object as well as the use of trees, valleys, mountains, and other forms of nature.  The head is shaped from mountains, valleys, rivers and most all forms of nature.  On the human body, the head is one of the most if not the most important part of the body.  Because all forms of nature are on the head, this conveys that all forms of nature are important and necessary.  The waterfall at the corner of the head appears to be in the same location as a human eye would be.  This represents tears of sorrow that mother nature has due to destruction being upon her.   If destruction does come upon mother nature, she will either be destroyed completely or marred beyond the point of recognition or complete recovery like that of a human.  The use of humanistic symbols to convey a message is used very accurately and powerfully.  This use allows the viewer to understand the intended message of the picture.  

Color and symbols are often used to represent a tone for a picture or image.  On the side with the hand-held revolver, destructive symbols and dark colors are used to convey the evil-spirited tone that the over-all human race has towards nature.  On the side with mother nature, the colors used in nature as well as the images of nature used on the female figure represent a pure, clean, and beautiful tone.  The picture as a whole has the representation of imminent destruction and depression which emanates a tone of sadness, sorrow, or depression.  The symbol of the revolver pointing directly at the mouth of mother nature resembles the same action or motive as murder.

In conclusion, “Betrayal” portrays an outstandingly powerful and accurate representation of the affect that human civilization has on mother nature.  The colors on both sides of the picture supplement the message of the picture by adding depth to the image that could not be accomplished by symbols alone.  The use of symbols within the picture identify the victim and the threat that the artist was wanting to convey.  The over-all tone that the colors and symbols produce is powerful and stomach-turning.  This sad and reflective tone causes an individual to rethink what he/she does and the affect it will have on nature.



