Dimensions: image: 476 x 359 mm
Copyright: © Estate of Joseph Domjan | CC-BY-NC-ND 4.0 DEED, Photo: Tate
Editor: Joseph Domjan’s "Morning Star," printed sometime in the 20th century, is a whirlwind of shapes and colors. What symbols or cultural touchstones do you see at play here? Curator: The star, of course, has a long history as a symbol of hope, guidance, and even divine presence. Here, it feels fragmented, almost explosive. Does this fragmentation suggest a disruption of traditional beliefs, perhaps? Editor: That's interesting! It makes me think about changing perspectives and questioning established norms. Curator: Indeed! The visual language seems to borrow from various cultural memories. Can we consider how abstraction can evoke collective feelings tied to progress? Editor: I never thought about it that way, but now I’m starting to see the connections between historical symbols and changing cultural values. Curator: Symbols are never static. They are continuously reshaped by cultural forces. I'm curious to see how viewers today will interpret these images. Editor: Absolutely, this piece really opened my eyes to the enduring power of symbols and their evolving meanings.