Crystal Earth 1978 - 1979

Curator: Welcome. Here we have Gordon House's "Crystal Earth," found within the Tate Collections. House, born in 1932, explores geometric abstraction here. Editor: This piece has a distinct mood—earthy tones clashing playfully with those almost clinical geometric shapes. I find that tension compelling. Curator: Notice how the tessellated background interacts with the overlaid geometric forms. It's a study in contrasts, isn't it? Consider the interplay between figure and ground. Editor: Yes, the earth tones and textured planes create a sense of depth, almost like looking down at the foundation of a crystal city, or a garden. Curator: Indeed, the artwork invites an interpretation rooted in structure, perhaps the building blocks of landscapes both real and imagined. Editor: It's an engaging composition—thoughtful, yet somehow inviting to playful daydreaming. I think "Crystal Earth" perfectly encapsulates that paradox.