8 1971

Editor: Here we have William Turnbull's "8" from the Tate Collections, a field of deep, almost overwhelming blue. What strikes me is how this simple color field evokes such a sense of depth. How do you interpret this work? Curator: The overwhelming blue hints at a visual language rooted in ancient symbolism, invoking divinity, truth, and the subconscious. Does this resonate with you, given the period in which it was made? Editor: I can see that. It feels very meditative. Like staring into the ocean. Curator: Precisely. And consider that Turnbull created sculptures as well. Could this "8" be a flattened, two-dimensional attempt to capture the essence of form and space, a symbol referencing a deeper, unseen reality? Editor: That's fascinating! I hadn't thought of it in relation to his sculpture. Thanks! Curator: My pleasure. It highlights how color can function as a powerful icon in its own right.