Once Upon a Time There Was Oil (Raft) 1981

Editor: This is Terry Setch's "Once Upon a Time There Was Oil (Raft)." It's undated, but held in the Tate Collections. The dark hues and chaotic composition give it a sense of despair. What formal qualities strike you in this piece? Curator: The dominant diagonal lines and the impasto texture create a sense of dynamism. Note how the artist uses a limited palette, mainly grays and blues, to evoke a somber mood. The human figures are rendered in a fragmented manner, almost dissolving into the background. Editor: That’s a fascinating observation. Do you think that dissolution relates to the theme of environmental decay implied by the title? Curator: Perhaps. The lack of clear form could symbolize the disintegration of both humanity and nature. The artist may be using the deconstruction of form to mirror the breakdown of the environment. Editor: Thank you, I now see how the formal elements contribute to the overall message of the painting. Curator: Indeed. Formal analysis allows us to understand how artists use visual language to communicate complex ideas.