Permutations Ochre 1978

Curator: Standing before us is William Scott’s “Permutations Ochre,” currently residing in the Tate Collections. It is undated. Editor: My first impression is one of muted domesticity, like simplified kitchenware floating in a dream. Curator: It’s interesting you say that, as Scott is known for distilling still-life elements, especially kitchen objects, into geometric forms. The shapes trigger familiar memories of utility. Editor: Yes, there’s a sense of coded femininity here. Post-war, there was pressure on women to return home, and these shapes could represent their constrained roles. Curator: The ochre ground certainly sets a somber stage. Yet, the permutations of these symbols suggest a world where the familiar is constantly being re-arranged and re-defined. Editor: Perhaps a commentary on the evolving roles of women during that era, rather than a simple return to the domestic sphere. Curator: I find that fascinating. It brings a new depth to this exploration of geometric forms. Editor: Absolutely, it adds a historical and societal layer to the image’s symbolism.