849A Homo Humus Humanitas 1986

Editor: This is Friedensreich Hundertwasser's "849A Homo Humus Humanitas," a print from 1986. It's very colourful and the shapes almost feel like an urban landscape mixed with natural elements. What do you see in this piece? Curator: I see a complex layering of socio-political ideas. Hundertwasser was deeply concerned with humanity's relationship to the environment. This piece, with its title linking humans to earth, can be read as a commentary on urbanization and its impact. Consider the regimented blocks versus the organic, tree-like forms. Do you notice the contrast? Editor: Yes, the blocks are much more rigid and structured than the round "trees." Almost like the buildings are encroaching on nature. Curator: Precisely! And think about the colours – vibrant but perhaps also artificial. This connects to Hundertwasser's activism, his belief in architecture that integrates nature, challenging the sterile functionality of modern buildings. How does the overall composition strike you in that light? Editor: I see a tension. It's bright and appealing, but there's a sense of imbalance, a struggle between the geometric and the organic, as if they are competing spaces. Curator: That tension is key. Hundertwasser wanted us to question our constructed environments. Art, for him, was a tool for social change, a way to advocate for a more harmonious existence with nature. This print is not just a pretty picture; it's a call to action, urging us to rethink our relationship with the earth. Editor: I didn’t realize there were so many layers to consider. I just saw the bright colours, but I understand now the importance of the social context behind this piece. Thanks! Curator: And I think looking at it fresh without context can be helpful, too.