Vorcex IV 1984

Al Held created this painting, "Vorcex IV," with a network of geometric shapes and vibrant colours, reminiscent of an abstract blueprint. Note how the twisting, serpentine forms dominate the composition; they are symbols that recur throughout art history. Snakes often represent primal energy, transformation, and the cyclical nature of life. In ancient Greece, the serpent was a symbol of medicine and healing, seen in the Rod of Asclepius. Consider, too, the ouroboros, an ancient symbol depicting a snake eating its own tail, representing eternity and the perpetual cycle of destruction and rebirth. These undulating forms connect us to the powerful, subconscious realm of the collective unconscious. The serpent resonates as a potent force engaging viewers on a deep, instinctual level. It reminds us of the primitive fears and fascinations deeply embedded in our psyche. This non-linear, cyclical progression is a testament to how symbols resurface and evolve.