Virga

April Gornik, Virga, 1992, oil on linen, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of the James F. Dicke Family, 2013.88.4, © 1992, April Gornik
April Gornik, Virga, 1992, oil on linen, 90 x 76 in. (228.6 x 193.0 cm), Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of the James F. Dicke Family, 2013.88.4, © 1992, April Gornik

Artwork Details

Title
Virga
Artist
Date
1992
Location
Not on view
Dimensions
90 x 76 in. (228.6 x 193.0 cm)
Copyright
© 1992, April Gornik
Credit Line
Gift of the James F. Dicke Family
Mediums
Mediums Description
oil on linen
Classifications
Subjects
  • Waterscape — weather — storm
Object Number
2013.88.4
Linked Open Data
https://edan.si.edu/saam/id/object/2013.88.4

Artwork Description

A virga is a meteorological phenomenon in which precipitation falls from a cloud but evaporated before reaching the ground. April Gornik brings this rare weather event to life in storm clouds that hover over a placid body of water. The pale yellow light between earth and clouds is both bright and brooding, suffusing the scene with a haunting glow. Gornik's expansive, unpeopled landscape is a record of nature and a personal memory.

Works by this artist (3 items)

April Gornik, Untitled (Road), 1994, etching and aquatint on paper, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Michael J. Ettner, 2021.88.88
Untitled (Road)
Artist
Date1994
etching and aquatint on paper
Not on view
April Gornik, Storm and Fires, 1990, charcoal and pastel on paper, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Museum purchase through the friends of Philip Desind, 1990.84
Storm and Fires
Artist
Date1990
charcoal and pastel on paper
Not on view
April Gornik, Virga, 1992, oil on linen, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of the James F. Dicke Family, 2013.88.4, © 1992, April Gornik
Virga
Artist
Date1992
oil on linen
Not on view