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
Copied 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
Keywords
  • 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.