Moth 1996

Editor: This is "Moth" by Paula Rego, an etching from the Tate Collection. I find the textures really striking, especially the way the fabric is rendered. What can you tell me about the process behind this work? Curator: As an etching, consider the labor involved. Rego manipulates the metal plate, biting into it with acid. It is not just image-making; it’s a physical act of production. How does this materiality shape your understanding of the subject matter? Editor: So, the choice of etching influences how we perceive the scene? Curator: Precisely. The repetitive, almost obsessive lines emphasize the layers of meaning and labor inherent in the image and the social roles represented. Editor: That is fascinating; I'm now seeing the work as more than just an image.