Somnambulist II 1937 - 1971

Editor: This is Julian Trevelyan's "Somnambulist II" from 1937, currently residing at the Tate. It's an etching and aquatint. The geometric shapes and stark contrasts give it such a dreamlike, almost unsettling feeling. What symbolic meanings do you find in this work? Curator: The image feels like an exploration of the subconscious, doesn't it? Notice the stark, architectural forms – houses, perhaps? These are universal symbols of shelter, but here, they seem fragmented, almost floating. The bold colors—red, blue, white—disrupt the grayscale, adding a layer of psychological tension, almost like piercing through the surface of the conscious mind. Do these symbols resonate with you? Editor: Yes, I see that. It’s like a coded landscape of the mind, each shape and color a key to something deeper. Thanks for your insights. Curator: Indeed, symbols offer enduring ways to interpret art across generations.