Fountain of Fire and Silence is a cosmogonic painting by Erna Rosenstein from the 1980s, likely portraying a volcanic eruption through vibrant, curving lines and a glowing, lava-like texture. Known for rejecting artistic conventions, Rosenstein poured emotion and spontaneity into her works, valuing the creative process more than the finished painting.
She resisted labels like abstraction vs. figuration and preferred authenticity over style. Her bold color use—like the red, orange, and tainted blue in this piece—earned her praise from critics. The surrealism in her art extended beyond imagery, influencing her creative philosophy. At her 1967 solo exhibition, Tadeusz Kantor presented her paintings alongside objects from her personal space, reinforcing her fusion of life and art.
Rosenstein was also a poet, often titling her works with lyrical phrases. A handwritten note on the back of the frame reads “The beginning of fire and water,” suggesting an earlier title. Her decorative signature, especially elaborate in this piece, hints at Art Nouveau influences. She never considered her works fully complete, extending the artwork beyond the canvas—here, the frame is painted to blend with the composition itself.
Sources: Museum of Modern Art in Warsaw – Zachęta Archive, artist's biographical notes.