Inner Eye (Maquette III) 1952

Curator: Here we have Lynn Chadwick's "Inner Eye (Maquette III)," a small sculpture, part of the Tate Collection. It's intriguing, wouldn't you agree? Editor: Absolutely, it evokes a powerful sense of the primitive. The dark metal contrasts sharply with what looks like a crystal eye, set within a cage. Curator: Chadwick's work often explored the interplay between organic and geometric forms. The "eye" motif recurs throughout his oeuvre, symbolizing perception and interiority. Editor: And the metal framework – is it meant to protect or imprison? It raises questions about the societal gaze and individual freedom in the post-war era, doesn't it? Curator: Precisely! The bars suggest a structure – of society, perhaps – shaping inner vision. The eye seems to struggle for clarity within that structure. Editor: Chadwick’s piece serves as a potent reminder of the enduring tension between the individual and collective experience. Curator: Indeed. A fascinating look into the relationship between the outer world and the inner self, and the symbolic power of the eye.