Blessing 1965

Editor: We’re looking at "Blessing," a mixed-media piece by Abdul Mati Klarwein, from 1965. There’s a central face with raised hands, almost like a priestess, framed by these wild, psychedelic patterns. It’s a really striking image. What do you make of it? Curator: Well, immediately, I'm struck by its relationship to the Pop Art movement, especially its interest in both popular and esoteric imagery. Klarwein was very interested in non-Western traditions, which are interwoven here, wouldn’t you say? Editor: Absolutely. The hand gestures and the stacked circular shapes above the head certainly hint at something beyond Western art history. Is he referencing specific religious or spiritual practices? Curator: Potentially. He pulls from numerous sources and synthesizes them in ways that echo the countercultural explorations of the 60s. Consider the way psychedelic art was used to visualize altered states of consciousness and spiritual insight during this period. Does this relate? Editor: Definitely. So the blessing isn’t necessarily coming from a traditionally religious figure, but perhaps from some figure representing a new, more personalized form of spirituality? Curator: Precisely! The socio-political landscape was one of questioning traditional authority. And his visual vocabulary feels inherently linked to that rejection and exploration of the alternative. And the way it might appear in a gallery would be like planting a counter-narrative! What did you think? Editor: I never considered the political impact! It shows the piece speaks to rejecting mainstream religion by combining existing traditions with more psychedelic sensibilities. Curator: Indeed, thinking about the social context gives us richer way of looking at such works.