Oblique 

Here, we see Albert Bitran’s "Oblique," an abstract expressionist piece of uncertain date. Note the powerful triangle that dominates the composition, its bold darkness cutting through the earthy tones. This shape, a symbol of ambition and direction, appears across cultures, from the pyramids of ancient Egypt to the triangular pediments of Renaissance architecture. Think of Giotto's "The Lamentation," where the sharp angles of the landscape amplify the scene's emotion. In Bitran's work, this geometric form becomes primal, almost aggressive. The slashing red, a visceral stroke, evokes blood and passion. Such markings echo the cave paintings of Lascaux, where hunters painted their prey in hopes of success, harnessing the image's magic. Like these ancient artists, Bitran taps into the collective unconscious, triggering a psychological response. The triangle may be reinterpreted as a sign of progress or conflict, the red splash a symbol of life or warning, but their emotional resonance remains. Such symbols are cyclical, resurfacing and evolving across epochs.