A Hard Rain’s Gonna Fall

Artist: Amy Ahlstrom

Title: A Hard Rain’s Gonna Fall

Year: 2025

Materials: Silk and cotton quilt

Dimensions: 18" x 20"

Image Statement: A Hard Rain's Gonna Fall: This quilt references the Bob Dylan song "A Hard Rain's A-Gonna Fall". In his memoir, Chronicles Volume One, Dylan credited the song’s inspiration to an experience reading newspapers: “After a while you become aware of nothing but a culture of feeling, of black days, of schism, evil for evil, the common destiny of the human being getting thrown off course.” There is a hint of a face in profile; an eye is watching. Clouds drip ominous streaks of black rain; there is a skull with clouds of newsprint whispering. The work feels heavy but its bright colors are cautiously hopeful.