Blossom (trial proof) 1965

Editor: Ceri Richards' "Blossom," a print of uncertain date, presents a vibrant yet somewhat unsettling composition. The interplay of floral and abstract forms, rendered in bold colors, is intriguing. What can you tell me about the means of production here? Curator: Considering the trial proof designation, it's crucial to look at the process. What materials were used? How does the layering of colors and shapes reveal the artist's labor and experimentation with printmaking? The focus shifts from simply depicting "blossom" to understanding the artist's active manipulation of materials and their distribution. Editor: So, it's less about the beauty of flowers and more about the act of creating the image itself? Curator: Precisely! Think about the social context: How does this emphasis on process challenge traditional notions of artistic skill and craftsmanship? Editor: I see it now; it's a study of process using natural imagery. Curator: Exactly, and what does that tell us about Richards' artistic intentions?