Red Square in White Circle 1920

Erich Buchholz's composition presents a stark interplay of geometric forms. The red square, nestled within a white circle, immediately draws the eye. The circle, a symbol of unity and wholeness, is here juxtaposed with the square, a form often associated with stability and the earthly realm. The superimposition of these shapes reminds one of the ancient motif of squaring the circle, a philosophical problem representing the reconciliation of the divine and the material. The vibrant red of the square is reminiscent of alchemical symbols, evoking transformation and energy. Consider the emotional impact: the square, a symbol of containment, is infused with the lifeblood red, a powerful force engaging viewers on a deep, subconscious level. This combination evokes a dynamic tension between order and vitality, a visual representation of the subconscious. The cyclical progression of these symbols continues to resurface and evolve through history, taking on new meanings in different contexts.