Hotel Babylon 1950

Rudi Lesser created this artwork, Hotel Babylon, in 1950. The towering, angular structures evoke the biblical city of Babel, famed for its ambitious tower that sought to reach the heavens, and ultimately, hubris and divine punishment. The Tower of Babel motif is a potent symbol of human aspiration and its potential for downfall. We see echoes of this in other architectural depictions throughout history, from Piranesi's oppressive prisons to the modern skyscraper, each reflecting humanity's complex relationship with ambition, power, and the divine. The fractured lines and looming presence tap into a collective memory of grand projects and inevitable collapses. It serves as a reminder of the cyclical nature of history, where human endeavors rise and fall, leaving behind ruins. This primal fear and fascination with destruction engages viewers on a subconscious level, prompting reflection on our own aspirations and their ultimate fate.