Bi-Polar in Red 1940

Theodore Roszak's Bi-Polar in Red presents us with striking imagery. Here, two red cones converge at a narrow point, one inverted above the other, topped with a sphere – a symbolic dance of opposing forces. The cone, historically, is a symbol of aspiration, often seen in sacred architecture pointing towards the heavens. Yet, inverted, it can suggest a descent, a pull towards the earth. Roszak’s juxtaposition reminds us of the hermetic principle "as above, so below," reflecting the duality inherent in human existence. The sphere above, a symbol of unity and perfection, adds another layer, reminiscent of the alchemical pursuit of wholeness. Consider how similar shapes appear in ancient Egyptian obelisks, or the steeples of Gothic cathedrals. They’re echoes across time, each carrying a cultural weight, yet transformed by the artist's hand. The bright red evokes raw emotion, perhaps a primal scream captured in form, engaging us on a visceral level. Thus, Roszak’s sculpture becomes a vessel of collective memory, a meeting point where ancient symbols are reborn, inviting us to confront the polarities within ourselves and the world.