Horizont (Horizontal) 1983

This is Ladislav Cepelák’s stark print, made with an etching technique. It is divided into three horizontal registers in black and white. We see a landscape with a clear emphasis on horizontal lines. The horizon – a recurring motif throughout art history – symbolizes the boundary between the known and the unknown, the earth and the sky. Consider how often the horizon appears in landscapes across cultures. Think of the Dutch Golden Age paintings, where the horizon often dominates, reflecting a culture deeply connected to the sea and exploration. But here, the horizon is not a gentle transition; it's a stark line, almost a barrier. We are reminded of Caspar David Friedrich’s wanderers contemplating nature’s vastness. The horizon can evoke feelings of longing and contemplation, representing our endless quest for understanding the world. It is not merely a visual element but a profound symbol that resonates with our deepest existential ponderings. This image, in its simplicity, engages us with a universal, timeless human experience.