Spiral (Spirala) 1924

Jaromír Funke made this gelatin silver print titled ‘Spiral’ sometime during his career, though we aren't exactly sure when. Funke was a Czech photographer who was a leading figure in the avant-garde movement in the first half of the 20th century. During this period, artists were pushing the boundaries of traditional artistic expression, seeking new ways to represent the rapidly changing world. The spiral, with its dynamic and evolving form, may have symbolized progress, change, and the complexities of modern life. It reflects the period's fascination with abstraction and simplification, reducing objects to their most essential forms. Funke’s work often experimented with light, shadow, and geometric shapes. This photograph encourages us to consider how everyday objects can be transformed through artistic vision, reflecting a broader desire to find beauty and meaning in the mundane. The image asks us to pause and reflect on the simple forms that shape our lives.