Proscinemi, Delphi, 1979

Signed, dated and numbered from the edition of 30 in pencil, on wove paper, with full margins. // Proscinemi, Delphi by Joe Tilson, created in 1979, is a vibrant etching and aquatint that blends ancient Greek cultural references with modern symbolism. The artwork features a bold, warm yellow and orange background inscribed with Greek letters that spell Delphi, invoking the mystique and spiritual significance of the ancient oracle site. At the center, a photograph of a pair of worn shoes on a stone ground is positioned, bringing an element of human presence and modern-day pilgrimage to the composition. The textured background and footprints surrounding the text and photograph create a sense of movement and continuity, connecting past and present. Tilson’s integration of ancient text with a contemporary image suggests themes of legacy, journey, and reverence, inviting viewers to reflect on personal and collective paths toward meaning and discovery.