Seven Separate Sketches c. 1958

Curator: This is Josef Herman's "Seven Separate Sketches," currently housed in the Tate Collections. The date of its creation remains unknown. Editor: Wow, it's raw. Like a storyboard for a dream, or a half-remembered folk tale. Is that a horse? Curator: It might be helpful to consider Herman’s background. His artistic expression was profoundly shaped by his experiences as a Jewish émigré fleeing persecution in Poland before the Second World War. Editor: Right, that explains the somber mood. There's a real weight to these figures, grouped together, almost burdened. Curator: The minimalist style emphasizes themes of displacement, labor, and community. Note the figures and crosses appearing alongside the horse. Editor: Yeah, the symbolism feels both personal and universal. It makes me think about resilience and the enduring human spirit. Curator: Indeed, it's a powerful piece that speaks volumes through its deliberate omissions. Editor: Absolutely. Herman captures a fleeting moment, a shared experience, with so few lines. I find it deeply moving.