Interview with David Rosenthal: An Artist’s Reflection on Climate Change
David Rosenthal has been painting for nearly fifty years, capturing the beauty of glacial landscapes. In a recent interview, Rosenthal discusses his inspiration for focusing on glacial landscapes and the motivation behind his current exhibit, “Painting at the End of the Ice Age.”
Growing up in Maine, Rosenthal had a love for the cold landscape, finding a sense of relief in the icy winters. His interest in art developed after failing as a college student, and he taught himself to paint, drawing inspiration from his scientific knowledge in physics.
Rosenthal’s current exhibit was unintentionally in the making for over four decades, as his observations and analysis of the natural world formed the foundation of his work. The exhibit first premiered in 2018 at the Valdez Museum and continued to evolve with each new showing, now on display at the Alaska State Museum until March 2024.
Reflecting on the role of color in his work, Rosenthal emphasizes the importance of representing the reality of his vision, using color to convey the true nature of glacial landscapes.
The artist has participated in various art programs, including the National Science Foundation Antarctic Artist and Writers Program, which broadened his understanding of nature and the importance of combining education and science.
Rosenthal hopes his exhibit will serve as a tool to educate people about global warming, appealing to a wide audience through the captivating and realistic illustrations of the effects of climate change.
“Painting at the End of the Ice Age” is currently on display at the Alaska State Museum and is set to travel to the Anchorage Museum in the fall of 2024, with future plans to tour across the United States.
