Atmospheric Abstraction 

Editor: Here we have Leon Berkowitz’s “Atmospheric Abstraction,” created using stain and acrylic paint. It feels so serene, almost like looking at a faded memory. What do you see in this piece, something so subtle and layered? Curator: I see a resonance with the sacred. The soft, diffused light reminds me of the ethereal glow found in religious icons, particularly those depicting the divine. Consider the hazy forms – could they be evoking a sense of spiritual presence, the blurring of the material world with the intangible? Editor: That's interesting! So you're saying the lack of defined forms could be intentional? Curator: Absolutely. Abstraction here functions almost like the veiling of a sacred image. Think about it – across cultures, important symbols are often concealed or presented indirectly to enhance their power and mystery. Does the colour palette itself speak to this, perhaps suggesting themes of transcendence? Editor: I can see that now, the colors feel like they're reaching upwards. The blue grounding the ethereal glow on top. Do you see it as intentionally drawing from religious iconography or more generally exploring those spiritual themes? Curator: I would suggest that it operates on both levels. While not directly referencing specific religious figures, the composition certainly echoes symbolic arrangements that trigger subconscious associations with the sacred. Think about mandalas, or even the layout of certain cathedrals… that visual language persists. Editor: This makes me see the piece in a whole new light, moving beyond just colors to cultural memory. Curator: Exactly! And understanding these subconscious echoes can deepen our appreciation for the emotional power of abstract art.