Mud Dream 6 1990

Editor: This is Maggi Hambling’s "Mud Dream 6," done with ink on paper. I'm struck by the contrast between the dense, almost chaotic strokes and the delicate rendering of what looks like a fish. What can you tell me about the way Hambling uses the materials here? Curator: Consider the relationship between the ink and the paper. The absorbency of the paper dictates how the ink bleeds, creating these textured effects. The artist's hand, the pressure applied, and the quality of the ink all contribute to the final image and reflect the labor involved. Editor: So, the artwork isn't just about the image, but also about the physical act of making it and the limitations of the medium? Curator: Precisely! The gestural marks and the choice of ink over, say, oil paint, speak volumes about the artist's process and intended message. It brings us closer to understanding the artist and the conditions of production. Editor: That’s a perspective I hadn’t considered before. Thanks! Curator: My pleasure.