Fragment bekledingsstof met dessin "Vogels boven golven" c. 1920 - 1924

This fragment of furnishing fabric, designed by Jac Jongert, presents a recurring motif of birds above waves, deeply embedded in a design that speaks volumes about cultural memory. Birds, often seen as symbols of freedom, spirit, and transcendence, contrast with the waves below, representing the subconscious, the fluid, and the unpredictable. The juxtaposition is a powerful visual metaphor, recurring across cultures from ancient Greek pottery to Japanese woodblock prints, embodying a dialogue between the conscious and unconscious realms. Over time, the bird motif evolved; consider the Egyptian representation of the soul as a bird, or its Christian adaptation symbolizing the Holy Spirit. Here, it is an echo of our collective aspiration to rise above life’s turbulent waters. Notice how the rhythmic repetition evokes a dreamlike state, suggesting a subconscious level. Such imagery taps into our deepest fears and desires, stirring emotions tied to existential journeys. The echoes of the past resonate, demonstrating that symbols never truly vanish. Instead, they resurface, transformed and imbued with new meaning.