Sawing 1937

Curator: This painting, simply titled "Sawing", was completed by Peter Laszlo Peri in 1937. Editor: It’s austere. The color palette is muted and somber, dominated by browns, grays and diagonal texture across the surface. The men seem diminutive, almost like figures in an industrial nightmare. Curator: Peri was deeply invested in social commentary. The symbolism is fairly direct – we see figures, almost faceless, struggling with a large, weighty cylinder. Editor: The cylinder could represent raw materials, labor itself, or even the oppressive machinery of the industrial age. I’m struck by the disproportion. These laborers seem so small and insignificant against the massive object they're attempting to manipulate. Is there an implied commentary here on the power dynamics between the worker and the means of production? Curator: Indeed. Peri’s visual vocabulary often returns to the dignity and struggle of laborers within modernity. Notice how their efforts are set against a backdrop devoid of nature – a stark contrast perhaps highlighting human struggle against mechanization. It makes me think about Sisyphus, cursed to eternally push a boulder uphill. The act of sawing here may well convey Sisyphean futility. Editor: Do you think it is about futility or could it be about endurance? I suppose that even if their actions feel ultimately meaningless, there is inherent human value in the attempt. Even if this piece is a comment on dehumanizing processes, the figures, so stoic, assert an echo of power against this monumental obstacle. The shared struggle is palpable, hinting at something more, potentially the seeds of change. Curator: That is a compelling view, especially regarding the continuity of social themes, perhaps even as applied today. This enduring symbol resonates across time. Editor: It seems to invite many perspectives. In fact, after reflecting on our discussion, I feel strangely heartened by the enduring power of shared human labor in this picture.