Sculpture I, Sculpture II, and Woman’s Head 1923

Curator: Eric Gill's print, "Sculpture I, Sculpture II, and Woman's Head," presents us with a fascinating set of figures. My first thought is about balance and effort. Editor: The poses of those two sculptures leaning forward… they’re caught in this perpetual state of strain, right? Like they’re always just about to fall. Curator: Yes, and consider the symbolic weight. Gill often explored themes of physicality and spirituality. These figures, pushing against something unseen, could represent the soul striving. Editor: Or maybe it’s a commentary on the burden of being a sculpture! Static, posed…forever holding that position. It’s a bit bleak. Curator: And then we have the Woman's Head, peaceful in contrast, almost like a resting icon. Perhaps it's about contrasting states of being? Editor: Maybe, or just a different facet of the same struggle. The woman's face is turned inward, but there's a definite tension there, too. All in all, it has that certain human feel. Curator: It's a potent combination of forms. Food for thought about the body, the spirit, and the burdens we carry. Editor: Exactly. It really sticks with you, doesn't it?