Prints have always fascinated me. Creating them is usually a very intensive process, but the results are pretty amazing. Print Lovers at 30 is right up my alley. First, it features works on paper from the Nelson-Atkins’ print collection; and secondly, the prints exhibited are a part of the collection I’ve never seen.
One print in particular caught my eye immediately. It is Arthur L. Werger’s, Krishna. It is a brightly colored print of a young girl’s body as viewed from underwater. It looks just as if the young girl has bobbed to the top of the water. I know, you wouldn’t get that from the title. The title does, however, add an element of symbolism for those looking for it (or those who read the image label).
Apparently in a certain state the Hindu god, Krishna, can take on any form in the universe. The reflection of her body on the water above gives the impression of extra arms, hence making her a Krishna-like figure. It is also an idea of “one into many” and the intricacy of a person’s identity.
The symbolism is great and all, but the print is pretty much just really cool. The vivid colors create a visually stunning print; the color of the water is particularly arresting. Werger did an amazingly detailed job adding in the lines the sunlight creates on her legs and arms through the water. It really looks just like you would expect a person underwater on a sunny day to look.
I have to admit that my favorite aspect of the print is the girl’s bathing suit. It has a tropical print and a little ruffle around the waist. It adds an interesting element to the work with the varied colors and bold pattern. The reflection of her suit in the top of the water is really beautiful. I also liked that it looked like a bathing suit that any girl could have had growing up as well. I’m pretty sure I had one similar in pastels.