"Reciprocal Dancers" design from the portfolio "Surface Decoration" 1902

Editor: This is Koloman Moser's "Reciprocal Dancers" from his "Surface Decoration" portfolio. The patterns create a symmetrical and captivating effect. What strikes you most about its visual structure? Curator: The dominance of symmetry is, indeed, a key formal element. Observe how the mirroring and repetition of shapes—the stylized figures, curvilinear forms, and stars—establish a visual rhythm. The composition adheres to principles of balance and order, characteristic of the Wiener Werkstätte's aesthetic. Consider how the interplay of the two colors, orange and brown, enhances the two-dimensional quality of the design. Editor: It’s interesting how you focus on the interplay of shapes and colors. I hadn’t considered the flatness so deliberately. Curator: Precisely. The design prioritizes surface decoration over illusionistic depth, a deliberate artistic choice that reflects a broader interest in the decorative arts and their potential for formal innovation. Do you see how the interplay affects your perception? Editor: I do. Thank you for pointing out the importance of flatness; it really changes how I look at it!