Untitled (garden with religious statue) c. 1966

This small, undated print by Robert Burian captures a garden scene featuring a religious statue. At first glance, the image seems to present a serene, cultivated space. However, the unsettling, patterned background introduces a layer of complexity. It disrupts the naturalism of the garden, and invites us to consider the dynamics between faith, nature, and artificiality. The statue of a Madonna figure holding a child, evokes traditional representations of motherhood and piety. Burian places this familiar symbol within an ambiguous context. This could speak to the changing role of religion in modern life, or to questions of identity and belonging, especially if considered within the context of shifting cultural landscapes and personal histories. What does it mean to find solace or meaning in traditional symbols when the world around us feels increasingly constructed or fragmented? The print invites us to reflect on our own relationships to faith, nature, and the symbols we use to navigate the world.