Bereshit Bara 1979 - 1981

Curator: Bill Meyer's "Bereshit Bara" presents a stark yet intriguing composition. The upper register depicts a grey-toned field bisected by taut lines, while below, a dark, mountainous form looms. What strikes you initially? Editor: The overall effect is quite desolate. There's a palpable tension between the geometric precision of the black rectangles and the organic chaos within the central images. It feels almost post-apocalyptic, suggesting themes of environmental degradation or societal breakdown. Curator: Precisely. Meyer's masterful use of contrast accentuates this tension. The flatness of the picture plane is interrupted by these fields and mountains, creating a push and pull between representation and abstraction. The eye struggles to settle. Editor: "Bereshit Bara" translates to "In the beginning," which adds another layer. Is this the beginning of something new or the stark aftermath of destruction? The lack of color intensifies the emotional weight, suggesting loss and perhaps the erasure of identity. Curator: Indeed, one could argue the monochromatic palette invites a focus on form and texture, creating a visual language independent of narrative. I find it to be a powerful statement on the interplay between order and chaos. Editor: Ultimately, this print invites us to contemplate beginnings and endings, progress and destruction, and the complex relationship between humanity and the natural world. Curator: An excellent reading of a deeply thought-provoking piece.