Sem título 

Curator: Here we have a mixed-media drawing by Joaquim Rodrigo, elegantly rendered with ink on paper. Given that its title is "Sem Título," or "Untitled," the artwork is a bit of a mystery to approach. What stands out to you initially? Editor: Well, there’s something intriguing in the deliberate mark-making here; these geometric forms layered atop one another certainly create a visual puzzle. It evokes an air of thoughtful study, with all those individual icons and perhaps, the feeling is almost map-like? Curator: That’s insightful. Looking closely, we can really appreciate the rough texture of the paper itself, which I feel profoundly informs our perception. Also, consider how Rodrigo combines diverse mediums. There are so many possible layers that reveal and conceal. One finds themself wondering about material experimentation and its role in Rodrigo’s practice. Editor: The deliberate arrangement, coupled with its abstraction, reminds me of cartography, or maybe even a symbolic blueprint—geometric icons suggesting routes, destinations, or perhaps even philosophical concepts. The red accents used to highlight certain details give emphasis, possibly highlighting some thematic connection the artist meant to put into plain view. Curator: Yes, it seems like we’re both gravitating toward the idea of symbols and what those representations entail within our minds and lived experiences. Also, don't you agree the lack of a clear referent might invite different reactions from its audiences and really open many different roads of interpretation? Editor: Precisely. Absence of specific meanings allows for a deeper exploration, allowing people from different places, and even backgrounds to dive in and engage intimately and uniquely. It makes it truly democratic. Curator: The medium—paper, ink, drawing—speaks to a sort of democratic ethos, if you will. Accessible materials, direct engagement, leaving its marks and impressions open to countless considerations that people bring from outside of this presentation. Thank you for these illuminations. Editor: Thank you! Exploring the psychological weight behind the geometry really opened new layers to this creation.