Woodcutter 2008

Editor: Peter Peri’s “Woodcutter,” currently residing in the Tate, presents these imposing geometric shapes in almost complete darkness. It’s monumental. What symbols or imagery do you see at play here? Curator: The darkness itself is significant, evoking a sense of mystery, perhaps even melancholy. Notice how the triangles and parallelograms hint at mountains or perhaps rudimentary shelters. Editor: Shelters? Curator: Yes, consider the "woodcutter" title. These could be the very structures built, or destroyed, by the woodcutter. It explores themes of labor, shelter, and the human impact on the landscape. The hard edged lines suggest the industrial age or perhaps an interest in cubism. What do you think of when you observe those lines? Editor: I see precision…maybe even the cut of an axe. Thanks for this! Curator: My pleasure.