The castle and the birch 2017

Editor: This is Alfred Freddy Krupa’s “The Castle and the Birch” created in 2017, made with drawing. The stark black ink against the white background creates such a strong contrast. What do you see in this piece? Curator: This work speaks to the enduring power of visual language. Note how Krupa uses stark lines, which serve as shorthand for complex forms – the castle, the tree. These aren't literal representations but rather distilled essences. Think about how deeply ingrained such archetypes are. How do you think the artist captures a sense of 'castle' or 'tree' with so few elements? Editor: Well, the shapes for the castle are so geometric, and high up, whereas the birch seems to flow down with the ink. Curator: Precisely. And it goes further, doesn't it? A castle can signify power, protection, or even isolation depending on how our cultural memory is shaped. A birch, particularly in Slavic or Northern European contexts, often stands for resilience, new beginnings, a connection to nature. By juxtaposing them, what dialogue do you think Krupa creates? Is it one of harmony or tension? Editor: It feels like the solid lines of the castle contrast the soft curve of the tree. Maybe there’s both tension and harmony? Curator: Indeed, this harmony and tension could symbolize the dance between human constructs and natural growth. The sketchy style lends itself to memory – is it something we are recalling or is it fleeting, like a sketch? Editor: That’s a great point! I hadn't considered the cultural weight of these symbols, just their appearance. Curator: Art, at its best, allows us to continually rediscover ourselves, in the light of history and symbolism.