Happy New Year, 1970 (Bonne Annee, 1970) 1969

Albert Edgar Yersin etched "Happy New Year, 1970" with an array of intricate patterns, symbols, and lines that echo the labyrinth of the human mind. The serpentine motifs winding through the composition recall the ancient symbol of the snake, embodying cyclical renewal and transformation. One might see echoes of the Ouroboros, the snake eating its tail, a powerful image representing the eternal return and the interconnectedness of beginnings and endings. Consider how these serpentine lines, reminiscent of neural pathways, also evoke a sense of primal energy and subconscious drives. The artist, perhaps unknowingly, taps into our collective memory, stirring emotions tied to our understanding of life, death, and rebirth. These symbols of transformation and renewal resonate with us on a profound, emotional level, reflecting our own hopes and anxieties as we stand at the threshold of a new year. This reminds us that while time marches on, the human experience remains a cycle of change, rebirth, and the enduring quest for meaning.