Poems and Wood Engravings by Alfonso Ossorio 1935

Curator: Here we have Alfonso Ossorio's "Poems and Wood Engravings." It's a rather compelling cover measuring about 26 by 21 centimeters and housed here at the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: It's striking, isn't it? The deep blue against the paper gives it a serene, almost devotional quality. Curator: Ossorio, while known for his abstract expressionism, had strong Catholic influences. The imagery evokes traditional religious iconography, particularly the Madonna and Child. Editor: Look at the stylized rendering of the landscape, the repetitive motifs of crosses and vegetation. It speaks volumes about the labor involved in creating this print. The artist's hand is evident. Curator: Absolutely. Wood engraving, as a medium, lends itself to such graphic clarity and symbolic density. It's interesting how he synthesizes personal faith with broader cultural themes. Editor: Considering Ossorio's abstract work, this piece gives us insight into how spirituality and material practice intertwined in his creative process. Curator: Indeed. It highlights the social and historical context of religious imagery and its continued relevance in contemporary art. Editor: This piece is a testament to how even a seemingly simple wood engraving can reveal so much about an artist's influences and the cultural landscape they inhabited.