Canto VII: [no title] 1981

Curator: This is a print by Esq Tom Phillips, part of his series "Canto VII," held in the Tate Collections. The dimensions of the image are 288 by 200 millimeters. Editor: It's intensely dark, almost claustrophobic. The repetition of shapes and words creates a very unsettling mood. Curator: Notice how Phillips utilizes the text itself as a visual element. The layering and obscuring of words disrupt traditional reading, demanding a different mode of engagement. Editor: The circular motifs bordering the central text block feel like ancient seals or broken rosary beads. They hint at ritual, perhaps corrupted or decayed. Curator: Yes, the work's materiality contributes significantly. The printmaking process allows for subtle variations in tone and texture, highlighting the inherent qualities of the medium. Editor: I'm drawn to the fragmented text. Phrases like "Look Out Satan" and "Earth & Eve Again" suggest themes of temptation and transgression. Very Miltonian. Curator: Indeed, the textual construction operates almost sculpturally. The interplay of figure and ground is meticulously orchestrated. Editor: It's a piece that clearly rewards careful attention. The symbolic density is intriguing, inviting multiple interpretations. Curator: A potent example of Phillips' unique approach to text and image, wouldn't you agree? Editor: Absolutely. It lingers in the mind, prompting reflection long after the initial viewing.