Emerging 1991

Editor: This mixed-media drawing from 1991 is titled *Emerging* and was created by Piroska Szanto. The figures remind me of a brightly colored bird or maybe even some kind of flower hovering above an insect or a moth. What’s your initial impression of this work? Curator: Well, my darling fledgling art enthusiast, this piece feels like a glimpse into a vibrant dream. The lines are so alive, aren’t they? They dance on the paper, and there’s a primal energy here. It reminds me of childhood imaginings of the rainforest – a world teeming with unknown creatures, bursting with potential. Do you see how the forms almost aren't quite finished? It's the essence of something coming into being. Editor: Yes, the looseness of the line work definitely gives it that "in progress" feel. Like it's captured a fleeting moment. The artist leaves much open to interpretation... What about the contrasting colors – the reds and golds against the background? Curator: Exactly! And color holds such a visceral key. To me the use of the bright colors could signify warmth, even passion against the dark evocative field, a sort of 'shadow work' as Jung might have said, as forms fight for life. Are they in harmony or discord? That’s what makes it so delicious and challenging, wouldn't you say? This little sketch has layers that peek from beneath! Editor: I agree, definitely more than initially meets the eye. I came in seeing a pretty picture of creatures, but now I see themes of growth, struggle, and emergence from darkness. It has made me think a lot deeper. Curator: Isn’t it marvelous how art can do that? Open our eyes and souls and bring us closer to questions that matter, even if, perhaps especially if, we never find the answers. Thank you, this reflection has deepened my own perspective on this piece too.