The Gorse Bush 1957

Editor: This is Peter Coker’s "The Gorse Bush," held at the Tate. The application of paint is incredibly thick, quite tactile. What strikes you about the composition? Curator: The structural integrity of the bush itself. Note how Coker employs impasto, building up layers to create a textured surface that mirrors the dense, thorny nature of the gorse. Editor: The impasto is very noticeable. Is there something to be said about the colors? Curator: Indeed. Consider the juxtaposition of the ochre and brown hues of the bush against the cool blues and greens of the background. This chromatic tension enhances the visual depth. Editor: I hadn't considered that chromatic tension. Curator: Precisely! Coker masterfully uses color to define space and form. Editor: Thanks! That’s a good point to close on.