S.M. 1961

Editor: This is "S.M." painted in 1961 by Joaquim Rodrigo, it’s done with acrylic paint. The colours are so bright, it almost feels like a child's drawing, but there’s something more going on. There’s almost a childlike energy. What do you see in this piece? Curator: Looking at Rodrigo's "S.M.," I see an emphasis on the very act of making. The application of acrylic, its thickness and layering, speak volumes about Rodrigo’s engagement with materials. The choice of these somewhat industrial paints, relatively new at the time, positions Rodrigo's work within a specific historical context of material production. The grid-like background, with these vibrant colours, challenges traditional notions of "high" art, recalling the techniques and aesthetics of murals. Editor: So, you're focusing on the materials themselves and how they connect to the making process, rather than a deeper hidden meaning? Curator: Precisely. The rawness of the materials and the visible process are, in essence, the meaning. The materiality hints at a certain democratisation of art-making, perhaps a desire to connect with everyday experiences of labour. Can you imagine the choices involved in selecting such vibrant colors? What statements might they be making about consumer culture, or the availability of new materials? Editor: That’s interesting. I hadn't considered the availability of materials in 1961 playing a role in his artistic expression. Curator: Think about how this connects to art movements happening at the time, such as Pop Art, that equally investigated contemporary themes, but employed distinct approaches. These types of investigations encourage viewers to interrogate our material world. Editor: It’s amazing how analysing the materials used can give a different perspective and appreciation. It gives a different lens through which to interpret the artwork.