Gesture of the Calla, 3 1985 - 1986

Curator: It's striking, isn't it? Michael Mazur's "Gesture of the Calla, 3." The stark contrast makes it seem almost like a photographic negative. Editor: Yes, its graphic nature, and monochrome palette evoke a kind of ghostly presence. It speaks to fragility, maybe even loss. What do you make of the process itself? Curator: Mazur was deeply involved in printmaking, pushing the boundaries of what the medium could do. His focus was the labor and process of bringing something like this flower to life on the page. I see the hand in every stage of the print, from the preparation of the plate to the final impression. Editor: I see that, too, but I am also intrigued by the symbolic resonance of the calla lily itself. It has become such a loaded image, often associated with mourning, but also with beauty, resilience, and ideas of femininity. Mazur’s framing invites a discourse on these themes. Curator: The scale of the image also draws you in. It is delicate but imposing—inviting you to consider not only the final image but also the physical labor involved in its making. Editor: It's a quiet piece, yet it resonates with so many potential narratives. Curator: I’ll be pondering Mazur’s choices for some time.