In the Air and in the Water 1951

Curator: Let's explore "In the Air and in the Water" by Heinz Trökes, held here at the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: It feels like a dream, doesn't it? Muted colors, floating shapes...a bit unsettling but also calm. Curator: The title suggests a dual symbolism. The fish form anchors us in the subconscious depths, while the upper shapes evoke flight and aspiration. Editor: That intense yellow—almost like a hieroglyph! I wonder, does it represent some kind of spiritual gateway? Curator: Precisely. Trökes often incorporates symbols that tap into collective memory, blurring boundaries between reality and myth. Editor: Well, it’s definitely stirred something in me. The blend of familiar shapes and abstract forms really allows for personal interpretation. Curator: It's a work that rewards slow contemplation, unlocking layers of meaning with each viewing. Editor: Agreed. It's a reminder that art can exist in multiple realms simultaneously.