In the Mountains 1965

Curator: This serigraph, “In the Mountains,” comes to us from Josef Herman. Editor: It strikes me immediately as a somber scene, a lone figure traversing a harsh landscape, evoked with such stark forms. Curator: Herman’s work often reflects his experiences as a Jewish refugee, and this piece, part of the Tate collection, is no exception. We can see the heavy emphasis on labor and the human spirit against imposing odds. Editor: The image resonates with ancient stories. The figure with the cart, could be seen as Sisyphus or any mythic archetype who perseveres through unrelenting hardship. Curator: His focus on the working class resonated deeply in postwar Britain, where the collective experience of hardship shaped the cultural landscape. Editor: There is also a universal quality. Herman taps into this primal imagery of struggle and resilience. The mountains themselves become symbolic, looming presences in our inner landscapes. Curator: Herman's images are not merely about hardship, but about the dignity and community found within those circumstances. Editor: Yes, a visual elegy for the unsung heroes of everyday life.