Inferno VI 1967

Curator: Sidney Nolan's "Inferno VI" in the Tate collection really strikes me with its raw, unsettling energy. Editor: It certainly provokes a visceral reaction. The distorted figures and the stark contrast in color create a sense of chaos and unease. I wonder about the printing process; how did Nolan achieve this effect? Curator: We know Nolan experimented with various printmaking techniques, often pushing the boundaries of traditional methods. Understanding his access to materials and the socio-economic conditions surrounding his practice is vital to appreciating the work. Editor: True, but look at the composition! The fragmented bodies and the ambiguous space evoke a sense of disorientation. It's almost as if we're falling into the abyss alongside these figures. Curator: Perhaps Nolan was critiquing the descent into hell as a metaphor for societal ills, reflecting post-war anxieties through the very act of making. Editor: Maybe so. Regardless, I appreciate the disquieting mood Nolan has fashioned. Curator: It's a fascinating intersection of material exploration and potent visual narrative. Editor: Absolutely, a work that demands a closer look beyond its surface.