Portrait of Queen Zozer II 1965

Curator: Standing before us is Tony DeLap's "Portrait of Queen Zozer II," created in 1965. It exemplifies his hard-edge painting style, presenting a very compelling image. Editor: My first impression is one of calculated stillness, the geometric abstraction almost holds its breath. The navy ground contrasts with a series of concentric white lines and the solid horizontal core, radiating both inward and outward. Curator: Indeed, DeLap masterfully balances hard-edged shapes with subtle illusions. "Portrait of Queen Zozer II" makes use of line and form, minimalism's key strategies for revealing shape in both positive and negative space, it is interesting that such hard edged imagery has been named as such a powerful female icon. Editor: Is the name perhaps somewhat tongue-in-cheek? While seemingly simple, these geometric patterns echo deeper symbolism. Queen Zozer the Second is portrayed using a very particular language of early computer design that speaks more to hard logic, but perhaps logic in her hands could be used as power. Curator: Perhaps, it speaks of her as an enigma, someone difficult to discern. The lines themselves could be seen as hieroglyphs, or layers of interpretation that lead us toward some form of power. Also in line with Hard-Edge modernism it may speak of our need for rationalized culture at this point in time. The late 1960’s are on the precipice of a big moment in American history. Editor: Absolutely. We have to remember the year, 1965: The stark, controlled imagery may reflect society's broader desires for order, and rationality as the war in Vietnam deepened divisions at home and society struggled with changing Civil Rights norms. Curator: Well, I think DeLap pushes us to consider the tension between art and social consciousness. Ultimately the visual weight and minimalist technique are deeply impressive in what is not said about this matriarch figure. Editor: Indeed, “Portrait of Queen Zozer II” becomes not just a picture of her, but rather about what the picture represents about modern notions of history and power, a fascinating encapsulation of a queen and of our world in the mid-20th century.