Exercise in Basic Colors and Shapes 1922 - 1923

Curator: This is Ludwig Hirschfeld-Mack’s, "Exercise in Basic Colors and Shapes." It’s currently held at the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: Striking in its simplicity, isn’t it? Three shapes, primary colors—almost like a child’s building blocks for visual understanding. Curator: Exactly, and Hirschfeld-Mack's emphasis on basic forms stems from his Bauhaus background. He aimed to explore how art could be accessible and functional, a blueprint for design. Editor: Triangle, square, circle...they also evoke archetypes. The stability of the square, the divine reaching of the triangle, the wholeness of the circle, all interacting here. Curator: And consider the materials. The texture of the paper, the layering of paint, all part of the construction. This isn’t just representation; it’s about the act of making. Editor: True. The symbols could be seen as a visual language, each form a key to unlocking deeper meaning within ourselves and the world around us. Curator: Ultimately, it's a beautiful reminder of the power inherent in even the simplest visual elements. Editor: Yes, a powerful meditation on universal form.