19. Llangloffan, Pembrokeshire: the Baptist Chapel 1964

Curator: Here we have John Piper’s "Llangloffan, Pembrokeshire: the Baptist Chapel," housed in the Tate Collections. Editor: It strikes me as haunting, almost consumed by its surroundings, yet resilient. Curator: Note the textural interplay between the meticulously rendered architectural facade and the almost violently applied surrounding foliage. Piper contrasts geometric clarity with organic chaos. Editor: The chapel itself, a symbol of faith, is literally embraced, perhaps even strangled, by nature. What does this tension signify about the survival of belief? Curator: I see it more as a formal exercise. The flat planes of the chapel front echo the flatness of the print itself, drawing attention to the picture plane. Editor: Yet the gold evokes a sense of history, of something precious slowly being overtaken. It is quite poignant, wouldn't you agree? Curator: An intriguing piece, open to multiple interpretations. Editor: Indeed, a potent reminder of the layered stories buildings hold.