Copper, June, Silver 1996

Editor: "Copper, June, Silver," created by Karlo Zvirynsky in 1996. It's a mixed media painting, rather dense, almost like looking into a box filled with symbolic objects. How do you begin to interpret this piece? Curator: It’s fascinating, isn't it? It reminds me of a reliquary, a container holding sacred objects. Each form—the circles, the squares, the almost hieroglyphic shapes—holds a potential narrative. Does the geometric abstraction feel familiar, reminiscent of something you've seen before? Editor: I see some parallels to Abstract Expressionism, with the emphasis on gesture and process. Are you implying these are coded references, a personal visual language? Curator: Precisely. Zvirynsky is creating his own iconography, almost like an alchemist transmuting base materials into gold. The titles of his artworks act like portals. What comes to your mind when you hear "Copper, June, Silver?" Editor: I suppose "June" brings to mind growth, summer, abundance. “Copper” and "Silver," though, give the work some earthiness. The golden circles especially feel talismanic. I guess, in that regard, it could be seen as a reliquary with objects that hold emotional weight and perhaps memories for the artist? Curator: I'm struck by that notion, particularly regarding cultural memory, with each shape symbolizing personal significance. It also appears to be a symbolic journey for the artist. What has this close observation unlocked for you? Editor: I had not noticed the range of iconographic references before you brought it up. It makes me think of the capacity of abstraction to embed hidden languages. Curator: Exactly. What an enriching journey into the symbolic!