Ardek 1963

Editor: This is "Ardek" by Olle Baertling, currently at the Tate Modern. It is undated. I see triangles shooting out against a black background. What's your interpretation of the symbolism in this work? Curator: The sharp angles, repeated motifs, and bold colors might symbolize a dynamic force, or perhaps an aspiration towards an ideal future. Do you notice how the converging lines create a sense of upward momentum? Editor: Yes, they suggest growth. It almost feels like looking up at skyscrapers. Curator: Precisely. Baertling sought to express pure, unadulterated emotion through geometric abstraction. Consider how the colors - the purple and teal against the stark black - evoke specific feelings for you. Are they calming or energizing? Editor: I see both a sense of calm and energy. It’s a lot to consider in a seemingly simple composition! Curator: Indeed, the beauty lies in its ability to hold multiple, even contradictory, meanings. It's a visual poem open to infinite interpretations.