Untitled 1977

This print by Taro Okamoto depicts an abstract interplay of lines, dominated by what seems to be a single, all-seeing eye amidst swirling forms. Eyes, those potent symbols of vigilance and insight, have been central to human expression across cultures. The image brings to mind the ancient Egyptian Eye of Horus, a symbol of protection, royal power, and good health. This emblem, like Okamoto’s eye, suggests a guardian spirit, an entity that watches over and perhaps judges. It is a motif echoed in various contexts, from religious art to modern advertising, where the eye signifies awareness and control. Here, the fluid, almost serpentine lines evoke a sense of primal energy, a subconscious force pushing through the ordered surface. This recalls the Jungian idea of the collective unconscious, where universal symbols and archetypes reside, influencing our perceptions and emotional responses. This visual language, laden with symbolism, bridges the past and present, revealing the enduring power of visual motifs and their capacity to resonate deeply within us.