Sing words of love, naked and undisguised and beautiful. But do not sing to us. c. 20th century

Curator: This intricate print, created by Donald J. Handel and held here at the Harvard Art Museums, is titled "Sing words of love, naked and undisguised and beautiful. But do not sing to us." Editor: The sheer density of line is striking! It feels almost claustrophobic, with that swirling mandala dominating the upper register. Curator: Indeed. The mandala form, with its central figures, suggests a cosmos revolving around themes of intimacy and perhaps exclusion, given the artwork's title. Notice the figures along the base, archetypal and entwined. Editor: The stark contrast between the radiant lines emanating from the mandala and the more earthbound figures below creates a real tension. It's a beautiful example of how formal composition can amplify symbolic meaning. Curator: It invites us to consider the layered messages about love, expression, and who is invited into the song. It is very thought-provoking! Editor: Absolutely. The artist has used form to create a space for reflection on powerful themes.