El Station Interior 1935 - 1942

Perkins Harnly crafted this watercolor, "El Station Interior," capturing a slice of urban life. Note the symmetrical layout, giving equal weight to the 'Women' and 'Porter' signs, suggesting societal norms. Yet, it's the elaborate ceiling design and ornate window details that draw my eye. These geometric patterns evoke a sense of order, yet also whisper of ancient motifs, echoes of Byzantine mosaics. Think of the mandala, a symbol found across cultures, representing the cosmos, the self, and the eternal return. Such patterns have an uncanny way of resurfacing. In sacred architecture, they express spiritual truths; here, in a mundane train station, they elevate the everyday. Does this suggest a yearning for something more, a subconscious echo of humanity's quest for order and meaning amid chaos? The effect of these shapes is a powerful one. Such archetypal gestures resonate, triggering deep-seated memories and emotions. It's this dance between conscious design and subconscious recall that breathes life into the image.