Synergetic Research Gallery

This thought-provoking lithograph, titled "An Exploration of a New Shibboleth, or How Does a Gypsy Read Tea Bags?", delves into the intriguing tension between the enduring allure of magic and the pervasive influence of technology in our contemporary world. The scene unfolds on a lunar surface, a celestial realm traditionally associated with mystery and the unknown. Bathed in a captivating array of colors, the moonscape becomes a world of the unexpected. Scattered amidst the celestial landscape are tea bags, everyday objects imbued with a sense of ritual and prophecy. Their presence evokes the timeless practice of tea leaf divination, a practice often associated with the realm of the mystical. Yet, these familiar symbols find themselves adrift in a world dominated by horizontal lines, a visual metaphor for the rigid structures and logic of the technological age.

Wispy, alien forms weave through this regimented landscape, their forms hinting at unseen forces and the potential for alternative modes of knowing. Their slender forms gliding through a network of precisely spaced horizontal lines, reminiscent of barcodes or digital code, represent the pervasive influence of technology in our lives. Yet, the figures themselves, with their otherworldly presence, suggest a yearning for something beyond the confines of the digital realm. The title itself serves as an intriguing prompt, inviting viewers to contemplate the nature of "shibboleths" – cultural markers that distinguish between insiders and outsiders – and questioning the relevance of age-old practices like tea leaf reading in a world shaped by technology.

Printed on luxurious Arches paper, this lithograph is a testament to the artist's masterful ability to weave together symbolism and social commentary. By prompting viewers to consider the enduring power of the unknown in a world striving for complete control, "An Exploration of a New Shibboleth, or How Does a Gypsy Read Tea Leaves?" is sure to spark meaningful conversations and ignite imaginations.