Spiral Forms c. 1986s

Saul Steinberg rendered these 'Spiral Forms' in pen and ink, sometime during his prolific career, on a page torn from a notebook. Steinberg, a Jewish-Romanian immigrant to the United States, often explored themes of identity and assimilation through his work. The stark simplicity of this piece invites contemplation on the nature of form and perception. The upper spiral, meticulously shaded, contrasts with the flat, maze-like spiral below. The spirals, while seemingly simple, evoke a sense of depth and complexity. Their shape makes me think about the spirals found in nature, like seashells, galaxies, or the unfurling of a fern frond, reflecting both growth and the cyclical nature of existence. Steinberg once said, "My line is the way I feel." In 'Spiral Forms' the line becomes a meditation on the self, navigating the labyrinthine paths of identity. Ultimately, the drawing underscores how personal experience shapes our understanding of the world.