Semaphore Project 1969

Vilen Barsky created this striking artwork, "Semaphore Project", employing a vivid palette of red, blue, yellow, and black. The dominant visual elements are the mirrored figures, each raising a hand in a gesture that evokes the ancient act of blessing or transmitting a signal. This motif of raised hands resonates across cultures. Think of the orans posture in early Christian art, figures with arms raised in prayer, a direct link to antiquity. Here, the gesture transcends mere representation; it becomes a conduit for emotional expression, a primal plea reaching beyond the canvas. Note the target-like symbol at the base. Throughout history, the circle has represented wholeness, unity, and perfection. Yet, with the addition of concentric rings and bold colors, it morphs into something more immediate—a focal point, a call to attention, perhaps even a symbol of destiny. The recurring forms seem to suggest a dialogue across time. Like ancient symbols resurfacing, the image touches upon collective memory, hinting at the cyclical nature of human experience.