The story behind BAA Spring Art Show’s winning painting
By Dina Brodsky
‘The Flow’ by Tatiana Tatum
Tatiana Tatum’s oil painting The Flow has won First Place at the Beaufort Art Association Spring Art Show, marking a milestone in her artistic journey. But behind this fluid, dreamlike piece is a story of heartbreak, defiance, and the art of hanging on.
It started with a job. Or rather, the crushing reality of one—both for Tatiana and her friend E., who found themselves drowning, not in water, but in burnout, frustration, and the endless noise of modern life. That feeling—of being consumed, overwhelmed—became the seed of this painting.
So, naturally, Tatiana pushed her friend into the marsh and let the water do the rest.
What began as an Ophelia-inspired photoshoot quickly escalated into a convincing drowning scene—minus the tragedy, plus a lot more laughter and mud. Somewhere between the sinking sensation of wet silk, the powerful tidal current of the Beaufort River, and a very questionable choice of wardrobe, the perfect reference image was captured.
But why Ophelia? Why return to this image of a woman floating in water—a symbol so deeply entrenched in art history?
“Ophelia is an enduring female archetype in Western art—a woman suspended between beauty and tragedy. But in modern life, drowning doesn’t always happen in water. It happens in information overload, in burnout, in the impossible expectations placed on women. This Ophelia isn’t gone—she’s still fighting the current.”
The judges recognized that fight, praising the painting’s mastery of water
‘Terms & Conditions’ by Tatiana Tatum
movement and dynamic brushwork.
“The photos of this piece are stunning, but you can only truly appreciate the powerful brushwork in person. There’s a real understanding of movement in water.”
While The Flow carries an undeniable sensuality, it is not for the male gaze—it is for women, by women. Much like Sabrina Carpenter performing music in what is practically lingerie, this isn’t about desirability. It’s about aesthetic power, self-expression, and reclaiming beauty as a language of our own.
“Women are visual creatures. We are drawn to beauty, to detail, to the unspoken language of art. This painting is for that audience—the ones who see themselves in it, who feel the pull of the tide and the weight of the world, but who refuse to sink.”
Tatiana’s award-winning painting The Flow will be available for public viewing at Thibault Gallery, located at 815 Bay street, Beaufort, SC.
For inquiries or more on Tatiana’s work, visit TatianaTatum.com or contact tatiana@tatianatatum.com
