Portrait Head and Neck 1994

Editor: This is "Portrait Head and Neck" by Tony Bevan. I’m immediately struck by the stark black and white contrast and how raw the image feels. What can you tell me about Bevan’s process and the meaning behind such a visceral image? Curator: Well, let's consider the materiality. The woodcut technique itself, with its bold lines and stark contrasts, speaks to a deliberate engagement with the physical process of art-making. How does the texture of the wood itself contribute to the impact, do you think? Editor: I guess I hadn’t really thought about the labor. I see how the grain adds another layer. Almost like the figure is emerging from the material itself. Curator: Exactly! It's a potent reminder that art is not just about representation, but about the tangible realities of production and the artist's physical engagement.