On the Stairs of the Temple 1989

Editor: So, here we have Eric Fischl’s "On the Stairs of the Temple," an oil on canvas from 1989. The scene feels both familiar and distant, and the figures are arranged in a way that suggests a narrative I can’t quite grasp. How do you interpret this work? Curator: The painting stages a compelling intersection between the sacred space of a temple and the social realities unfolding within it. Considering Fischl's engagement with postcolonial narratives, doesn't the positioning of Western tourists, amidst those seemingly in service roles at the temple, evoke complex power dynamics? What feelings does that choice bring to the surface? Editor: It does feel uncomfortable, like the painting's inviting us to consider our own position in that dynamic. I’m also noticing how the light seems to isolate different groups of people. Curator: Precisely. Fischl is not just depicting a scene; he’s dissecting the social and cultural gaze. The vibrant colors used on the robed figure also draw the eye to it. This begs a few important questions; What might the religious garments symbolize, and how might it relate to societal norms around women at the time? Editor: I hadn’t thought of that. I guess it raises questions about gender, maybe, or Western expectations and orientalism. I’m learning there is so much more than meets the eye when interpreting artwork from cultures other than your own. Curator: Exactly! By engaging with the work on this level, it helps to confront and deconstruct some of those prejudices that would otherwise pass by completely unnoticed. What a great learning moment. Editor: That is very true. Thanks, I will carry on reflecting on the Western gaze with the knowledge I gained today.