Serenity and Chaos (October 10, 2001) 2001

Hedda Sterne created this drawing, titled *Serenity and Chaos*, on October 10, 2001. The stark contrast between the serene horizon line and the chaotic, interwoven lines above it speaks to a deeper dichotomy. Consider the symbolism of the horizon, an ever-present motif in art history, representing stability, the known, and the boundary between earth and sky. Juxtapose this with the chaotic web above: lines that crisscross, tangle, and evoke a sense of unease, a visual representation of turmoil. We see echoes of this tension in Delacroix's *Liberty Leading the People*, where the resolute figure of Liberty rises above the chaotic fray of battle. The emotional weight of Sterne's drawing is undeniable, reflecting the anxieties of a world grappling with the aftermath of a catastrophic event. It is a powerful engagement with collective memory, a visual echo of shared trauma resonating through the ages. This serves as a poignant reminder that chaos and serenity are eternally intertwined, each defining the other in an unending cycle.