Le Poisson d’Or 1959

Curator: Welcome. We're looking at "Le Poisson d’Or" by Ceri Richards, held here at the Tate. Editor: It feels…ominous. That single red shape set against all that darkness really draws the eye. Curator: Richards, born in 1903, was deeply influenced by surrealism, and later, by the threat of nuclear war. His imagery often taps into primal anxieties. Editor: Is the fish then, a symbol of vulnerability, perhaps? Surrounded by those jagged, almost geological forms, it looks trapped. Curator: Fish imagery often represented spiritual and emotional states, particularly during the mid-20th century—a time of intense social upheaval. It resonates with both personal and collective fears. Editor: The lack of a definite date also speaks volumes. It places the work outside of a specific historical moment, giving it a timeless quality. Curator: Exactly. Its ambiguity invites multiple readings, which ultimately reflects the multifaceted nature of fear itself. Editor: I will certainly look at this art differently from now on. Curator: Indeed, art can reveal the deeper currents of our collective psyche.