Trees at Costa Frede 1960

Editor: This is Rodrigo Moynihan's "Trees at Costa Frede," undated, at the Tate. It's quite abstract, almost like a quick sketch, but it really captures the feeling of being in a thicket of trees. How do you see this work fitting into the art world of its time? Curator: It's fascinating how Moynihan, known for his abstract expressionism, still hints at representation. Consider the post-war context; artists were grappling with depicting a world marked by trauma and uncertainty. Do you think the sketch-like quality reflects a sense of immediacy or perhaps impermanence? Editor: That's interesting. Maybe both? It feels less like a composed landscape and more like a fleeting impression. Curator: Exactly! And think about the politics of imagery. Was Moynihan deliberately shying away from the heroic landscapes of the past? Perhaps embracing a more fragmented, subjective view of nature? Editor: I hadn't considered that! It gives me a whole new perspective. Thanks! Curator: My pleasure! It's always rewarding to see how historical context illuminates a piece.