Brimstone Moth Variation 1960

Curator: Here we have John Wells' "Brimstone Moth Variation" from the Tate Collection. Editor: It's strangely calming. The interplay of those muted greys against the sharp yellows creates a visual tension. Curator: Wells, working in post-war Cornwall, used abstraction to explore his relationship with the natural world, reflecting a society rebuilding itself. There's a deep symbolism here, nature recovering from the devastation of conflict. Editor: Absolutely, but look at the texture, the visible brushstrokes. You can almost feel the physicality of the paint, the labor involved in layering these colors. Curator: And the materials themselves! Oil on canvas—a classic medium, yet used here to question traditional representation, much like societal norms of the time were being questioned. Editor: A fascinating dialogue between material and meaning. I'm left considering what these simple geometric forms signify in terms of production and process. Curator: It prompts reflection on our relationship with the environment and our role in its destruction and recovery. Editor: Indeed, it’s a stark reminder that art's value can stem from humble materials and the labor of the hand.