Discs in Echelon c. 1935 - 1959

Curator: I find myself drawn to the quiet strength of Barbara Hepworth's sculpture, "Discs in Echelon." Those weighty forms, so close they almost touch... Editor: They remind me of Easter eggs, but like, fossilized, giant Easter eggs. There's a prehistoric feel to the smooth, dark bronze. Curator: Hepworth often explored themes of unity and connection. I wonder if she meant these forms to represent people, or perhaps a couple. Editor: Or even just the simple, beautiful fact of two things existing together. I love that the bronze has this mottled quality, as if it's aged by time and weather, even though it's obviously crafted. Makes you think about endurance, doesn't it? Curator: Absolutely. Hepworth was deeply influenced by the natural world, which is evident here. Considering the socio-political landscape of the time, it's not surprising she was seeking harmony. Editor: It's grounding, in a way. It's a reminder that even from the most chaotic of times, beauty and balance can still emerge. Curator: Indeed, and Hepworth’s talent was to capture that eternal potential. Editor: Right, art with heft.