The artwork titled “Purity Test,” created in 1982 by Mark Tansey, is a notable piece within the realms of Contemporary Realism and Surrealism, and it falls under the genre of figurative art.
In this artwork, a group of indigenous people can be observed riding horses atop a rugged, elevated terrain. They appear to be viewing a mysterious pattern on the landscape below them. The scene is captured in sepia tones, which lends a timeless quality and highlights the intricate details of the environment and the figures. The individuals are depicted in traditional attire, carrying spears and shields, which suggests a historical or cultural narrative. The contrast between the natural rocky foreground and the enigmatic formation in the distance adds a surreal element to the work, inviting viewers to ponder the deeper meanings and possible interpretations of the scene.
