Dial Set Six 1966

Editor: This is Gordon House's "Dial Set Six" from the Tate collection, a print of nested, curvilinear squares in cool greens and blues. It feels very contained and inward-looking to me. How do you interpret this work? Curator: I see it as a dialogue with the rigid formalism that dominated much abstract art. House's subversion of the square, softening it, and the subtle color shifts feel like a quiet rebellion. Considering the social upheaval of the time, could this inward focus be a commentary on retreat? Editor: That's interesting, I didn't think about it as a form of resistance. Curator: Or is it simply about exploring interiority, a space for contemplation away from the noise? What do you think of that perspective? Editor: I like that a lot. Thank you for sharing your view. Curator: My pleasure! It’s a fascinating piece that keeps opening up new avenues for consideration.