Untitled c. 1997 - 1999

Curator: This is an untitled work by Phyllida Barlow, part of the Tate Collections. Editor: The raw, immediate quality of this piece strikes me first. The composition feels quite audacious. Curator: Barlow often uses humble materials to create imposing sculptures, challenging the conventions of monumentality. Here, we see that sensibility at play on paper, perhaps as an exploratory sketch. It’s interesting how she grapples with mass and volume. Editor: Absolutely. The rapid, almost brutal brushstrokes coalesce to suggest volume, but the thin washes of color also flatten the space. There's a tension there that keeps the eye engaged. The use of black provides contrast. Curator: Barlow’s work often reflects on the urban environment and the decay of industrial spaces. This piece, though abstract, echoes those themes through its rough textures. Editor: I find it interesting how the implied weight of the blue form contrasts with the fragile-looking support system. It feels unstable. Curator: I agree. The sketch certainly captures Barlow’s interest in disrupting expectations. Editor: It's a powerful testament to her ability to communicate complex ideas with such simplicity.