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Rebirth Requiem
1964
A monumental triptych by American artist, psychic, and author Ingo Swann, 'Rebirth Requiem' (1964–65) is a visually dense, symbolically layered work exploring themes of life, death, and the connection between the physical and spiritual worlds. The three panels form a unified circular composition populated with cross-cultural iconography including a golden phoenix, meditating dark figures, infant forms, teeth, butterflies, and cosmic fire, rendered in vivid reds, blues, golds, and greens. The word 'EAT' appears prominently at the top of the central panel, reinforcing Swann's critical stance toward material consumption in American modern art. Swann blends metaphysical and homoerotic elements to evoke unseen dimensions of experience and consciousness, making this a rare and historically significant example of his painting practice before he largely abandoned art for his celebrated career as a clairvoyant and remote viewer.
- Medium
- Acrylic on canvas
- Spotted At
- Museum · Palm Springs Art Museum
Notes
Museum accession/loan number: L2025.1.1a-c. Work is a triptych (three panels). Swann became widely known in the 1970s for his clairvoyant abilities and helping develop 'remote viewing'; his work drew attention from the Stanford Research Institute and the CIA's Stargate Project. He largely abandoned artistic recognition in the late 1950s.
Spotted works by Ingo Swann
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