Strange Bird 1947

Editor: So, this is Will Barnet’s "Strange Bird" from 1947. It's a print, and I’m immediately struck by how geometric it is, and almost hieroglyphic in a way. It reminds me of a strange, mechanical being rather than an actual bird. What do you make of this piece? Curator: The title immediately points us to ornithological symbolism, yet the abstraction pushes beyond simple representation. The "bird" appears constructed, almost like a totem or glyph. Given its creation in the post-war period, I see the lingering influence of Surrealism with its exploration of subconscious imagery and dreamlike symbolism. What about the line quality strikes you? Editor: It's very precise and controlled, like he's building something with these lines. It lacks the free flow that I associate with some Surrealist works. Curator: Precisely. Think about how different cultures depict birds. They often represent freedom, the soul, or communication with the divine. But here, Barnet seems to constrain that inherent symbolism through geometric forms, perhaps echoing the anxieties of the modern age and our relationship with nature after mass destruction and unprecedented technological growth. The shapes themselves seem laden with meaning... consider the triangles, often representative of stability and divinity. Do those resonate in a spiritual way? Editor: Hmmm... Now that you mention it, seeing those triangles almost stacked makes me consider pyramids, which definitely triggers feelings of awe. It’s less whimsical and more… monumental than I initially thought. I suppose that feeling of unease comes from those opposing concepts colliding within a simple print. Curator: Exactly. The tension between the organic, the spiritual, and the mechanical is what gives “Strange Bird” its lasting power. Editor: That is quite fascinating, considering how different art can appear the more you contextualize its symbols. Thanks so much!