Biskra, Algeria 19th-20th century

Curator: Denman Waldo Ross's "Biskra, Algeria," part of the Harvard Art Museums collection, presents a striking depiction of North African architecture and landscape, focusing on the built environment within its geographical setting. Editor: Oh, it's gorgeous! It feels like a heat-haze dream, all soft pinks and hazy greens. The light is just singing. Curator: Indeed. Ross, quite fascinated by color theory, probably chose to illustrate Biskra for the unique environmental conditions that would allow him to showcase his mastery. Note the way he juxtaposes manufactured materials with the organic landscape. Editor: It’s almost childlike in its simplicity, but there's such sophistication in the color choices. It’s both comforting and a little unsettling, like remembering a half-forgotten journey. Curator: I agree; observing Ross's painting, it’s intriguing to consider the production of such works. The materials used, their availability, and his artistic choices all highlight the era's perception of North Africa. Editor: It just makes me want to jump right in and bask in that sun-drenched stillness. Curator: The legacy of the artist, the place, and his production is an important point of artistic production to study. Editor: Absolutely. A very welcome reminder that art doesn't always need to shout to be heard.