Krakatoa

The explosions at Krakatoa are considered to be the loudest in history, and it’s claimed that the explosions were heard up to a distance of 3,000 miles.

Morning Post - Thursday 30 August 1883

In the early hours of August 27, 1883, a drama of epic proportions unfolded on the Indonesian island of Krakatoa. It was a volcanic performance that rewrote the record books, belting out a sound that reached an ear-shattering 310 decibels—Earths' loudest applause, if you will. The ground trembled in rhythm, and an unimaginable two-thirds of the island crumbled into history, an act of natural theatre that underscored the planet's unimaginable power.

But this wasn't a one-act show confined to the stage of sound and fury. Krakatoa's eruption penned an encore with colossal tsunamis that surged across the Indian Ocean, surmounting heights up to 40 metres. Picture the terror etched on sailors' faces far from the source, as waves seemed to defy geography itself, making their devastating appearance known even in the distant South African shores.

Amidst nature's fiery display, I stumbled upon an unexpected source of solace—colours. The collision of various shades on the colour wheel set off a lively dance of motion and energy. It's akin to the intensity of that massive explosion—chaotic yet oddly mesmerising. So, I embarked on a journey through different hues, layering them on my canvas to craft a textured and vibrant artwork that embodies the essence of that powerful moment.

We may think we're in control, but the power of nature will always reign supreme.