The Revelation of St. John (V.6.) 1985

Editor: We're looking at Maria Bozoky's "The Revelation of St. John (V.6.)" from 1985, made with ink. It's quite striking—the expressive lines create this intense portrait, almost like a haunting vision. What do you see in this piece? Curator: It is striking, isn’t it? Bozoky has captured not just a likeness, but the very essence of revelation. Note the gaze, so direct and unwavering, seemingly pulling you into the saint’s inner experience. Consider how the flowing ink lines, especially around the head, almost suggest a halo, but one made of turbulent, ecstatic energy. What emotions do those lines evoke in you? Editor: A bit of chaos, definitely a sense of overwhelm. Like trying to grasp something immense. Curator: Precisely! The Revelation is, after all, an overwhelming vision. Bozoky uses the face, that potent symbol of identity, as a battlefield. There's a tension here, between the serenity implied by the subject and the raw, almost violent, execution. Notice how the darkness on one side of the face contrasts with the lighter space on the other. It creates an incredible dichotomy. Is the artist trying to portray both, the Saint, and something within her, fighting? Editor: Maybe. I hadn't thought of that duality so literally, but it makes sense given the context. Curator: Symbols don't always need to be clear. Sometimes their job is just to resonate with what you bring as a viewer. Revelation isn't easy, comfortable, or fully knowable. Art often tries to push up against unknowability. How do you feel knowing a little bit of the background? Does it add a bit more power to the marks, or distract you from your initial reaction? Editor: It adds more layers to the experience. I initially reacted to the raw emotion but understanding the potential symbolism connects the work to a longer history of portraying spiritual experiences. Curator: Exactly! It shows the endurance of human curiosity and artmaking!