Triangles by  Richard Smith

Triangles 1978

0:00
0:00

Dimensions: support: 705 x 905 mm

Copyright: © Richard Smith | CC-BY-NC-ND 4.0 DEED, Photo: Tate

Editor: This is Richard Smith's "Triangles," a piece from the Tate collection. I am struck by its quietness, despite the bold geometric shapes. What do you see in this work? Curator: I see a dialogue with postwar anxieties regarding social structures. The triangles, constrained within the square, drip downwards; are they symbolic of hierarchies in decline? Smith seems to question the rigidity of modernism. What about the palette strikes you? Editor: The muted colors feel…institutional, almost bureaucratic. Do you think that was intentional, reflecting the power structures of the time? Curator: Precisely. It suggests a critical perspective on established norms. Perhaps Smith is urging us to deconstruct these very "triangles" in society. Editor: I hadn't considered that level of social commentary. Thanks for pointing that out! Curator: It's in the subtle details! These shapes often speak louder than any slogan.

Show more

Comments

tate's Profile Picture
tate 7 days ago

http://www.tate.org.uk/art/artworks/smith-triangles-p07401

Join the conversation

Join millions of artists and users on Artera today and experience the ultimate creative platform.