Untitled Possibly 1946

Here we see an untitled composition by Frank K. Bacher, achieved through a screenprint. The simplified geometric shapes and bold use of red, green, and yellow capture the eye. It seems like there are abstracted figures, with a smiling form that may reflect a simplified mask motif, reminiscent of the archaic smile found in ancient Greek sculpture, that were intended to breathe life into stone. The smile, a seemingly universal expression, can be traced across cultures and centuries. Initially signifying vitality, its meaning has evolved. In our subconscious, a smile invites connection. In Bacher's abstraction, the smile could represent a deeply embedded symbol of human connection, distilled into simple shapes. Note how the mask is holding what looks like a vessel. The combination of the human figure and a cup is an important motif in many religious scenes, like Christian iconography. The artist distills these familiar forms to their essence, prompting us to consider how images resonate within our collective memory. It is a visual echo of our past.