The Devolution of Mt. Meru

1993

born Fox Valley, Oregon, 1910; died Loleta, California, 2001

"In the cycles of consciousness a transference occurs in which the masculine qualities and substance give way to the feminine characteristics and substance. The three feminine symbols--the moon, the tantric inverted triangle, and water--are represented. The cycles of weather with its rain are exposing the feminine ascendancy, the moon is coming out of an eclipse, the eternal cycles are moving according to cosmic laws and we are simply working out those laws calling it evolution and manifest destiny.

The more I think of the two paintings, the more I think of seeing the universal cycles coming and going, masculine and feminine polarities going back and forth like a pendulum . . . Mt. Meru symbolizes our eternal self that endures the changing values that go on in and through us." (Robert Yarber, 1995)

Acrylic on paper

38 x 26 in. (96.52 x 66.04 cm)

Gift of Penelope Schmidt

94.157

Not currently on view

Resources

Exhibition HistorySeattle, Washington, Seattle Art Museum, "Morris Graves and Seattle", November 1, 2001 - October 20, 2002

Seattle Art Museum respectfully acknowledges that we are on Indigenous land, the traditional territories of the Coast Salish people. We honor our ongoing connection to these communities past, present, and future.

Learn more about Equity at SAM