Tlatoani 

Editor: We are looking at “Tlatoani” by Gunther Gerzso, a piece done with acrylic paint. There's a definite architectural feel to this abstract composition. It almost looks like a stylized landscape or a cityscape of some kind. I get a somewhat rigid and powerful mood from it. What do you make of it? Curator: "Rigid" is a good word for it; it does feel monumental, doesn't it? Gerzso, born in Berlin, and deeply influenced by his time in Mexico, often channeled pre-Columbian art in his work. This piece feels particularly Aztec or Mayan to me, particularly the title "Tlatoani", an Aztec word. See how he’s built up these layered planes and geometric shapes? There's an almost spiritual geometry to it. The green could evoke a jungle landscape... Do you think the red rectangle at the top hints at some ritual element? Editor: A ritual element! That's interesting. I was stuck on seeing it more as a building or structure, that perhaps the red shape was a decorative piece. Curator: Perhaps a temple ornament? Gerzso often fused European abstraction with Latin American themes. And perhaps the rigid style is actually not "rigid," but is instead his nod towards ancient monolithic stone structures of pre-Columbian America. How's that as an interpretation? Editor: That connects perfectly! It adds so much depth knowing about Gerzso's background and the potential link to pre-Columbian art. The architectural interpretation still holds but gains new significance! Thanks for expanding how I view the piece. Curator: Anytime. Now go find more connections... the real treasure is in the pursuit.