Mosaic II 1957

This lithograph by M.C. Escher presents a captivating dance of forms, a menagerie where creatures morph into one another. The interplay of black and white space creates a dreamscape, a visual puzzle challenging our perception. Observe how Escher employs the 'horror vacui,' filling every space with figures. This technique is reminiscent of ancient tapestries or illuminated manuscripts where the fear of emptiness drove the impulse to adorn every surface with symbolic figures. Note the presence of zoomorphic shapes, each carrying its own history and cultural baggage. The fish, an ancient symbol of fertility, contrasts with the serpent, often associated with chaos and transformation. Consider how the serpent has appeared across cultures, from the Ouroboros symbolizing eternal return, to the biblical serpent embodying temptation. Such symbols, deeply rooted in the collective unconscious, tap into primal fears and desires, eliciting a powerful response. The human figure in meditative pose suggests a striving for balance amidst the chaos of the world. Escher masterfully presents the cyclical nature of symbols; surfacing and evolving, reflecting our perpetual quest for meaning.