Luna Moth

A single moth set against a deep black background radiates more energy, life, and mystery than most highly kaleidoscopic and wildly rendered paintings. Part of Steven Curtis’s Luna Moth’s aesthetic allure (for me, at least) is its symmetry. The way the moth is positioned in the center of the canvas, with both sides of its body mirroring each other, culminates in an immensely pleasurable and satisfying viewing experience. Instead of overwhelming the composition with detail (not to say the moth is not detailed, which it certainly is) and outside elements, Curtis pares the painting down to the subject and a neutral background. The viewer has no choice but to focus on the majestic insect. I find this approach fascinating because, in a sense, we can observe nature more contemplatively and thoroughly from this painting than seeing the moth in person, as we are not distracted by outside stimuli.