Magical Space Forms 1948

Editor: So, this is Lorser Feitelson's "Magical Space Forms," painted in 1948 using acrylic on paper. The geometric shapes really strike me—almost like city skylines viewed through a kaleidoscope. How would you interpret this work? Curator: Ah, Feitelson! His work always tickles my imagination. For me, this piece speaks of a post-war optimism, a burst of energy contained within precise lines and a surprisingly gentle color palette. Think of jazz, all improvisation within a strict tempo. Do you feel the push and pull between control and freedom? Editor: I see what you mean! It’s interesting how the hard edges of the shapes are softened by the almost playful colours. There’s something a bit…retro-futuristic about it too, if that makes any sense? Curator: Retro-futuristic, yes! I love that. Like a forgotten design for a Jetsons episode! It speaks to the period’s fascination with space, progress, and the unknown, while using very grounded, almost domestic colours. Do you see a narrative here, or more of an abstract feeling? Editor: More of a feeling, I think. It evokes a sense of organized chaos, if that makes sense. Curator: Precisely. It makes me wonder what Feitelson was reading, what music he was listening to. Perhaps he was reaching for something just beyond our grasp, a future seen through a lens of hope and, perhaps, a little bit of playful uncertainty. It makes you think, doesn’t it? Editor: Definitely. It’s fascinating to see how geometric abstraction can express so much! Curator: Absolutely. It is wonderful when geometric structure is brought to life with colours!