Glide Path, book cover 1981

John Berkey created this book cover, ‘Glide Path,’ capturing technology as a nexus of progress and latent anxiety. Dominating the scene are the radio tower and aircraft, symbols deeply entwined with communication, control, and, historically, warfare. These symbols echo motifs of ascension and technological prowess found throughout art history—from the Tower of Babel to Da Vinci’s flying machines. Notice the spheres hovering in the sky; they evoke a sense of the unknown, the potential for both enlightenment and catastrophe. Like the spheres, the aircraft appear as messengers, bridging different realms. But what of the figures immersed in their instruments? They reflect a modern-day oracle, interpreting the signals of our constructed world. The artist captures a pervasive sense of technological sublime, inspiring awe and trepidation, that resonates deeply in our collective consciousness. This interplay of progress and uncertainty, as seen here, is not linear. It’s a cycle, ever resurfacing as humanity ventures further into the unknown.