Seven Green Leagues 1967

Editor: Standing before us, a mesmerizing dance of shapes and colors: Alice Baber’s “Seven Green Leagues” created in 1967 using acrylic on textile. These fluid, organic forms give me such a feeling of playful weightlessness. What do you see in this piece, perhaps beyond the abstract elements? Curator: You know, it makes me think of childhood— of looking through a kaleidoscope for the very first time. All of these little shards suddenly making sense in an almost mystical way. I find myself wondering: What *are* these “leagues” she speaks of? Are they pathways, connections? Editor: Pathways through colour, maybe? Curator: Perhaps! Or maybe even different realms of consciousness or emotional states. Look how the greens meld into the blues. And see how the reds punctuate those softer colours. They almost feel like little jolts of feeling. What I love is the almost childlike joy that emanates from this—a celebration of life itself, wouldn’t you agree? Editor: I do. I guess I was so focused on the shapes I didn’t notice the more human elements you point out. Curator: Baber herself once said that she sought to paint light rather than objects. These aren’t just pretty colours slapped on textile. They're light made tangible! Do you see it now? Editor: Absolutely. I feel like I’m seeing it, hearing it, almost feeling the warmth now. Curator: Wonderful, isn’t it? Now you have reminded me to be more aware and open to such humanistic elements in paintings like this! Editor: Same! It’s definitely given me a new perspective. Thanks so much.