66 (vertical wall) 1966

Editor: This is Ben Nicholson's "66 (vertical wall)," currently held at the Tate. I’m struck by how the geometric forms, mostly in muted tones, create a sense of architectural order, but the single copper square feels… out of place. What’s your perspective? Curator: It's fascinating how Nicholson uses abstraction to evoke architectural space. Consider the post-war context; art was often seen as a means of rebuilding cultural identity. Does this piece perhaps reflect a search for order amidst chaos? The copper square could symbolize a rupture, a point of tension within that order. Editor: That makes sense. It's almost as if he's questioning the very structure he's created. Curator: Exactly! Nicholson's work often blurs the lines between painting and sculpture, challenging traditional artistic boundaries, which were often reflections of social boundaries. What do you make of the textures and subtle gradations of color? Editor: They give it a tactile quality, softening the geometry. It’s less rigid than I initially thought. Thanks, that really opened my eyes to the layers of meaning! Curator: It’s a privilege to discuss Nicholson's subtle commentary on post-war society, even today.