Fantasie in groen 1937 - 1969

Editor: Here we have Yo Sugano’s “Fantasie in groen,” a print made with ink on paper, sometime between 1937 and 1969. It's a small, square image featuring repeating spiral motifs. What strikes me is its almost hypnotic quality, the way the eye is drawn into these swirling patterns. How do you interpret this work? Curator: What I see in "Fantasie in groen" is a fascinating interplay between individual expression and universal symbolism. The work was created during a tumultuous time, bridging pre and post-war eras, a period marked by upheaval, existential questioning, and an awakening of individual consciousness. It makes me wonder, what does it mean to present geometric and abstract shapes through a title referring to 'fantasy'? Editor: That’s a great question. I hadn't really considered the relationship between the title and the image. The geometric shapes almost seem at odds with the idea of fantasy, which makes it a lot more intriguing. Curator: Exactly. And these stylized swirls could symbolize constant motion or life cycles; it hints at philosophical depth. The abstraction offers a visual escape. Consider this in the context of the rise of abstract expressionism. Was this artist inspired to create as a form of protest? A subversive form of self-expression outside the rigid societal norms or oppression in wartime? How might those political elements reframe what we see here? Editor: So it’s like a visual form of resistance, maybe? Or perhaps escapism through art? Curator: Perhaps, both. Think about the intersection of personal turmoil and political expression. What is this artist trying to visualize and suggest? Editor: That reframes the entire work for me. It's more than just a pretty pattern; it’s a statement. Curator: Precisely. And by exploring the political and social context we see new dimensions in abstract forms, revealing deeper stories embedded in its lines and curves. Editor: I see it too; I learned a lot. Thank you!