Mixing Semi-Fours 2000

Curator: Before us we have John Himmelfarb's "Mixing Semi-Fours," held at the Harvard Art Museums. What strikes you first about this work? Editor: The compartmentalization; it's like a grid of ancient, indecipherable symbols. The warm sepia tones give it an archaeological feel, as though it's unearthed from some lost civilization. Curator: Indeed! Himmelfarb is known for his unique visual vocabulary. Each contained element, rendered in earthy pigments, seems to exist in conversation with the others, hinting at a complex network of meaning. It feels almost like a language. Editor: Or a visual record, perhaps a coded story from a culture valuing pictorial narrative over text. What were the sociopolitical currents influencing Himmelfarb as he composed this unusual piece? Curator: The beauty of symbols is their adaptable meaning. They persist across time and culture, subtly changing their significance depending on context. I see echoes of ancient pictographs, alchemical symbols, and even modern-day signage. Editor: Ultimately, these are personal hieroglyphs. Himmelfarb invites us to decipher a language rooted in his own experience and memory, offering a glimpse into a unique perspective. Curator: A beautiful, visual puzzle that speaks to the enduring human need to create, record, and communicate. Editor: A testament to art's ability to transcend time and culture, offering a narrative that viewers will contemplate for years.