Untitled c. 1960s

Eugene Feldman created this striking piece using serigraph. The prominent dark figure seems to meld the human and the animal, evoking ancient myths of metamorphosis and transformation. Consider the horns—a symbol stretching back to the Minoan depictions of bull-leaping, or the horned god Pan, embodying primal, untamed nature. This motif surfaces again and again, even in the Christian demonology, where horns signify a descent into bestial instincts. Here, Feldman’s use of it isn’t so clear-cut. Is it a symbol of power, a nod to our animalistic selves, or a darker omen? Our collective memory imprints these symbols with layers of meaning. The raw, primal energy conveyed in the image taps into our deepest fears and desires, a powerful force engaging viewers on a subconscious level. The image has a cyclical progression, with the animalistic attributes resurfacing, evolving, and taking on new meanings in different historical contexts.