Visual Automatic No.5 1965

Editor: Here we have Stephen Willats' "Visual Automatic No. 5" from the Tate Modern's collection. It's a striking object, almost like a diagram brought to life. What kind of symbols do you see at work here? Curator: The formal geometry speaks to a language of systems, a visual encoding of modern life. Notice the horizontal lines, suggesting both constraint and direction. The "X" form hints at intersection, decision points. Does it evoke a sense of control or of being controlled? Editor: It's a bit ambiguous, I think. Maybe both at once? I like how the yellow contrasts against the blue, but also how the light seems trapped in the small yellow box. Curator: The contrast speaks to different modes of being—the rational versus the intuitive. The light could be suppressed potential or a beacon of hope. Consider how our personal experiences shape these interpretations. Editor: That's fascinating. I'll definitely look at Willats' work differently now, considering the tension between structure and individual expression.