Dimensions: image: 402 x 400 mm
Copyright: © Hans Landsaat | CC-BY-NC-ND 4.0 DEED, Photo: Tate
Curator: Hans Landsaat’s “Prague”, held here at the Tate, instantly brings to mind doorways, or maybe portals. Editor: It's striking how monumental this feels with so few elements; a tan rectangle suspended beneath an arch. The color palette feels somehow muted and earthy. Curator: Given Landsaat's background, born in 1935 in Germany, this could be a meditation on transitions. The archway, often a symbol of hope, becomes a frame. Editor: Absolutely. The dark pillars and the somewhat imposing rectangle suggest barriers. The title, "Prague", raises questions about geopolitical significance, about borders and movement. Curator: So it’s not simply a doorway, but the idea of entering a space—a space charged with history, perhaps? I find it quite poignant, the simplicity masking deeper complexities. Editor: I agree. It's a powerful reminder of how geometry and color can communicate such intricate narratives. This doorway definitely makes me consider what it means to cross thresholds, both literal and metaphorical.