Christ after the Flagellation Contemplated by the Christian Soul (3) 1998

Curator: This is Leon Kossoff’s etching, "Christ after the Flagellation Contemplated by the Christian Soul (3)", held here at the Tate. Editor: It's stark, almost painfully raw. The thin lines seem to barely contain the subject’s anguish. Curator: Kossoff often explored religious themes, not always for devotional reasons, but as a means to investigate the material of suffering and the body. Editor: And look at the mark-making – the repetitive hatching. It’s almost like a process of flaying, mirroring the violence inflicted on Christ. The labor becomes a form of sympathetic pain. Curator: Yes, and the context is crucial. Consider Kossoff's Jewish heritage and his experiences during World War II. The image can be viewed as a broader statement about human suffering throughout history. Editor: It's fascinating how such a simple medium, lines etched into metal, can carry such weight. It really challenges the preciousness often associated with "fine art." Curator: Absolutely. The piece prompts reflection on the ways society processes trauma, both historically and materially. Editor: I leave here with a greater appreciation for the artist's capacity to engage suffering through his craft.