Agave Parviflora 1985

Editor: So this is Howard Arkley’s *Agave Parviflora* from 1985. It’s a drawing, so simple lines on paper, yet the overall feeling is quite chaotic, almost like visual noise, though a very stylized noise! What leaps out at you? Curator: "Leaps out", I like that, Editor. It reminds me of looking through a kaleidoscope as a kid, fragmented bits making surprising order. Arkley’s linework has a restless energy, right? A constant vibrating hum, all those graphic zigs and zags, swirling, almost aggressively joyful. It's controlled chaos; what appears decorative and repetitive somehow implies space and depth. Does it draw you in, or push you away? Editor: I think it does both, to be honest! The patterns are kind of dizzying, but then you start noticing the small details – the little flowers, the… are those tubes? – and it becomes strangely compelling. Where do you think Arkley got this interesting graphic-pattern language from? Curator: Graffiti, for one. And domestic design of the time! I wonder if you pick that up in these forms and details? It’s not a faithful representation of a real agave plant. For Arkley, it’s more about capturing a feeling, a vibe… I guess like finding the hidden punk energy of a humble succulent. What do you think he’s trying to express? Editor: I think you're right! The more I look, the more I sense the graffiti element - almost like the botanical illustration has been tagged! Very interesting… Thanks. Curator: A total tag of nature's hidden punk within is very insightful Editor - a very useful and important observation. It makes me view this artwork again with fresh eyes and appreciate it. Thank you too.