Factory of the Marquesa 

Perry Oliver’s etching, Factory of the Marquesa, presents us with the stark image of industrial machinery dominating the landscape. The massive gears evoke a sense of unstoppable force. Throughout history, the wheel, a symbol of cyclical motion, has transcended mere mechanics. From the cosmic wheels in Hindu art to the wheel of Fortune in medieval iconography, it signifies time, destiny, and transformation. Here, however, these gears, frozen in ink, present a different story. The wheel's evolution from a mystical symbol to an emblem of industrial might reflects humanity's shifting relationship with nature and progress. This transformation evokes a psychoanalytic tension – a blend of awe and anxiety towards progress. The unfinished quality of the work, with exposed gears and decaying structures, leaves us questioning the long-term consequences of our relentless pursuit of progress. We are confronted with the non-linear progression of symbols, reminding us that they continuously resurface.