“Woe to Those Who Remember From Whence They Came,” created by artist Kent Monkman in 2008, is an art piece that encompasses elements from the Postcolonial art movement and Classical Realism. The artwork, categorized within the genres of figurative and landscape art, delivers a poignant narrative through its vivid depiction.
The artwork reveals a dynamic landscape, with lush greenery and expansive skies dominated by billowing clouds. In the foreground, a diverse group of figures, including Indigenous individuals and colonial settlers, navigate the terrain. The settlers, depicted in vibrant attire, are seen moving in a procession, while others engage with the natural environment around them. A spectral figure, strikingly white against the colorful backdrop, adds an ethereal quality to the scene. The distant horizon showcases a settlement near a waterbody, seamlessly integrating civilization into the natural world. The interplay of light and shadow, combined with the meticulous attention to detail, contributes to the artwork’s dramatic and evocative atmosphere.
