A more complete assessment of alchemy and the imagery related to it is in the personal search and struggle for a higher self awareness or enlightenment, a purpose believed to be the actual, primary goal of the true alchemical philosophers. This is also an example of the alchemist search for the union of opposites. The origins of the carousel as a devise to train medieval royal youth in the ways of war presents another dichotomy in combination with its more well known, carefree nature. Superimposed over the carousel the alchemy figure, colorless in itself, take on the colors of the carousel, altering them where they overlap. The carousel becomes a stage for the alchemical scenarios.
Perspective space is implied yet confounded with ambiguity.
This imagery woven together combined with orchestrated systems of color combinations result in structures closer to the mandala than western pictorial devices. Although the content derives from western civilization the resulting abstract, layering suggests the contemplative nature of the east. As we face the unknown of the future it is important to realize the essence of some forgotten truths from the past. Kurt Godwin copyright 1999 Kurt Godwin all rights reserved.