Dimensions: image: 660 x 660 mm
Copyright: © DACS, 2014 | CC-BY-NC-ND 4.0 DEED, Photo: Tate
Curator: Here we have an untitled print by Richard Paul Lohse, part of the Tate Collections. Look at these nine squares of vibrant colour. The dimensions are 660 by 660 mm. Editor: It's quite striking; the colours evoke feelings of optimism, a playful yet balanced visual experience. Curator: Lohse was invested in modular systems, a key tenet of Concrete Art. He wanted to democratize art, rejecting subjective expression for rational, systematic construction. The materials, the printing process itself, were integral to this aim. Editor: I see that, but what about the social implications? These structured blocks could be seen as a reflection of societal organization, perhaps even critiquing rigid structures and hierarchies. Curator: Perhaps, but Lohse saw it as a Utopian vision, a model for harmonious order achievable through industrial processes. Editor: A very optimistic reading! It's fascinating how these simple forms can invite such varied interpretations. Curator: Indeed, it's a testament to the power of minimalist art, a reminder that materiality and production are never neutral. Editor: And for me, it highlights art's continuous dialogue with the social and political landscape.