Dodecagon 1969

Curator: This bold construction is entitled "Dodecagon," realized in 1969 by Ronald Davis using acrylic paint. What strikes you about it initially? Editor: Well, visually it really pops—it’s undeniably optimistic and seems quite representative of its era. The bright, almost aggressively cheerful colors, along with that hard-edged geometry… it practically screams Pop Art sensibility to me. Curator: Yes, and the use of the dodecagon—a twelve-sided polygon—isn't arbitrary. In various belief systems, twelve represents cosmic order, completeness. Think of the zodiac, the twelve tribes, it appears so frequently. Editor: So, beyond its visual impact, are you saying Davis is trying to tap into something deeper? Maybe the search for order during a period of great social upheaval? I mean, 1969 was quite a year for societal shifts. Curator: Precisely. The '60s were marked by chaos but also a fervent desire for structure and meaning. Geometry itself has always been a language for understanding the universe. And, the way the inner space echoes the outer, doesn't it remind you of the mirroring found in mandalas? Editor: I see what you mean. While the surface is indeed reminiscent of commercial Pop aesthetics, with that acrylic flatness and bright color, it’s compelling to consider how these elements intersect with timeless themes. It really does create a dialogue, almost a tension between the eternal and the ephemeral. Curator: These vivid acrylics themselves mark a departure, though, representing the rise of industrial production. These saturated hues wouldn't be possible before advancements in color chemistry, connecting abstraction directly to societal innovation. Editor: And situating it firmly within the discourse of Modernism and its relationship with technology. It’s interesting how this piece refuses to settle comfortably within a single reading. It reflects the multifaceted nature of that decade itself. Curator: It certainly gives one plenty to consider beyond that first visual hit of bright colors, and geometric shapes. A true product of its time. Editor: A fascinating exploration of how form and color can simultaneously reflect cultural trends and explore enduring symbolic systems. Thank you.