And death shall have no dominion 1965

Curator: Well, this artwork by Ceri Richards, titled "And death shall have no dominion," immediately strikes me with its stark contrasts. There's a real tension in its composition. Editor: Yes, there is! It's a lithograph, and you can see the process in the distinct layers and textures. The skull, owl, and flowers are rendered with bold lines and then juxtaposed to the frame. The production challenges traditional forms, doesn't it? Curator: Indeed. Look at the application of symbolism. The owl, traditionally a symbol of death, carries flowers, defying its usual association. How interesting. Editor: I agree. The flat planes of color serve to highlight the contours of each figure. The choice of such limited palette feels very intentional, even philosophical. Curator: Richards lived through two World Wars; his work often explores the impact of conflict on the human psyche, maybe it is connected to a feeling of loss. Editor: That's a good point. Ultimately, this piece really encourages us to consider how we can use art to confront our cultural anxieties. Curator: Absolutely. The impact of materials on meaning, the means by which Richards brings these figures to life, is quite remarkable to think about.