Bermuda 1965

Editor: This is John Plumb’s "Bermuda," a print housed at the Tate. It's just this intense block of teal with purple accents on the edges. It feels so simple, almost like a color field experiment, but the more I look, the more complex it seems. What do you see in this piece? Curator: The nuanced interaction between the teal field and the subtly undulating purple edges is compelling. The composition draws attention to the surface quality, inviting contemplation on the materiality of the print itself. Note how the slight variations in tone within the teal create depth despite the flatness. Editor: Depth in flatness - that's interesting. So, the focus is less on what it represents and more on how it's made and how the colors interact? Curator: Precisely. It prompts a consideration of how color and form function independently of representational content. This allows the viewer to engage with the intrinsic aesthetic qualities of the work. Editor: I see. I hadn't considered how much the variations in the teal contribute to that sense of depth you mentioned. Thanks for pointing that out! Curator: My pleasure. It highlights how even seemingly simple forms can yield complex visual experiences.