Untitled 1960

Curator: This is an untitled work by Hedda Sterne, housed here at the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: The horizontal bands create a strange sense of depth, almost like looking into a hazy abyss. What material is this? Curator: The medium appears to be pastel and possibly gouache on paper. Note how these layered shapes echo each other, like eyes opening or closing. In many cultures, the eye is seen as a window to the soul. Editor: I'm intrigued by the way Sterne uses color to create a sense of texture. The ochre and blues feel very earthy, grounding the piece despite its abstract nature. Curator: Sterne, born in 1910, lived through tumultuous times. The shapes might be abstract, but they evoke a sense of resilience. Editor: The composition is quite remarkable. The symmetry is disrupted just enough to feel dynamic, not static. Curator: Indeed, a testament to Sterne's ability to balance control and spontaneity. Editor: I'll certainly be pondering Sterne's intent.