Discovery of Acid (Act I) [Découverte de l'acide (acte I)] 1986

Editor: So, this is Pierre Alechinsky's "Discovery of Acid (Act I)" from 1986, a mixed-media print. It feels almost like a fragmented dream, a series of interconnected panels with surreal imagery. What do you see in this piece, and how do you approach interpreting it? Curator: This work, like much of Alechinsky’s oeuvre, operates on the fringes of consciousness, and within historical dialogues that encompass Abstract Expressionism and even Surrealism. It's not merely about abstraction, but about the potential of art to catalyze conversations around power dynamics, consider the impact “discovery,” especially scientific discovery, has had on societal structures. Editor: So you're saying the title isn’t just a descriptor, but an entry point to bigger issues? Curator: Precisely. The 'discovery' of acid, perhaps alluding to LSD, a substance linked to counter-cultural movements and questioning of authority, could represent societal shifts and challenges to established norms. Does the chaotic energy, the almost primal imagery, resonate with you in terms of challenging dominant narratives? Editor: I can see that now, especially in the context of the late 20th century and Cold War anxieties. The fragmented panels remind me of information overload and disjointed realities, each with different political undertones. Curator: Good. Also consider the role of automatism, which seems like it could be used here. How does the unbridled mark-making contribute to the breakdown of traditional power structures, disrupting formal expectations? Editor: It makes me think about who gets to create “legitimate” knowledge and what forms it takes. Curator: Exactly. This piece invites us to challenge conventional systems of thought and creation and, perhaps, encourages more people to be more reflexive and inclusive. Editor: I never thought of approaching art this way; that is very helpful. Thank you. Curator: Of course. Viewing artwork as a space for political reflection and dialogue ultimately helps everyone create broader social engagement with art.