LL-4-72 1972

Conrad Marca-Relli’s canvas features a bold, cruciform shape in deep black, sharply contrasting with the off-white background. At its center, there’s a square, framing a smaller golden square, drawing the eye to the artwork’s core. This central motif resonates with ancient symbolism, harking back to the Roman "quadratum," representing order and stability. Yet, Marca-Relli distorts and abstracts it, imbuing it with new emotional potency. Consider the evolution of such forms: from the structured layouts of ancient cities to the mandalas of Eastern spiritual practices. The geometry of the square speaks to our innate desire for structure, safety and the unconscious craving for balance. As we gaze at the dark shape hovering, it evokes both protection and the unknown, engaging our deepest anxieties and hopes. The golden square, the light within the darkness, reminds us that symbols are not fixed. They resurface, evolve, and take on new meanings across time.