Thomas Hart Benton: Cave Spring
Discussion Questions
What stands out to you in Benton’s painting, Cave Spring? What does it say about Benton’s views on the relationship between human wellbeing and the natural world?
How does this image relate to your own experiences nourishing your health & well-being by spending time in natural settings?
How can we integrate our understanding of the interconnectedness between human health and the health of the natural world into our approach to healing?
Reflections from #MedHumChat
“I love how the human figure follows the curves and flow of nature in the painting” —@ScottVernaglia
“One of the reasons I liked the choice of this painting is that I have always turned to nature as a way of healing my body and my soul. To see the fracking industry turn my friend K's hills against her was a double betrayal.” —@LouiseABlum
“Healing comes about when there is a recognition of the interconnectedness. Therefore, bring on the treatment but always make sure to look for the context, the bigger picture -- see the person, not the patient.” —@LReedsbooks
About this #MedHumChat
Cave Spring was paired with How It Ends, an essay by Louise A. Blum for a #MedHumChat on August 19, 2020 discussing Forces of Nature.
We were honored to be joined by special guest Louise A. Blum (@LouiseABlum), author of a piece that accompanied this discussion.
The pieces for this chat as well as the discussion questions were curated by Allison Chrestensen (@allison_tandem).
About the Artist
Thomas Hart Benton (1889 - 1975) was a Missouri-born American scene painter who was well-known for his murals and portraits depicting everyday life, especially in the Midwest.