Bo Bartlett, The Master

Bartlett’s The Master is a monumental representation of an imagined figure, a man who carries himself with a sense of gravitas and importance. Draped in vibrant red robes, he looks directly at the viewer. Vertical markings on his cheeks could represent the scars of the hardships of life or the paths of tears. The man wears a skullcap, which in Islam is a sign of respect for higher religious powers. In the distance, a boat rests at the shoreline, suggesting a journey. Like many of Bartlett’s paintings, the enigmatic narrative inspires wonder.