Combat 1936

Editor: This etching is "Combat" by Stanley William Hayter, created in 1936. All those frantic lines! The energy is just… intense. It really captures a sense of chaotic movement, but also it is very hard to figure out what is happening here. How do you interpret this work? Curator: What we observe is an exploration of form and dynamism rendered through a cubist and surrealist lens. The interplay of lines carves out an ambiguous space, evoking tension through pure visual means. The artist forgoes the comforts of perspective to create an interesting affect. Do you notice the deliberate intersection and overlap of forms? Editor: I do now that you mention it! The forms intersect almost violently, creating a sense of compression, of struggle. The tonal variations, from the crisp lines to the densely etched areas, give real depth to this mostly monochromatic composition. The shapes only seem to take form for the barest moment, then immediately collapse into a jumble of form. Curator: Precisely. This disintegration is an example of the line acting independently of the objects, effectively deconstructing notions of reality. Note also the contrasting textures; this affects the visual and tactile impact on the viewer. Editor: This almost makes the image tactile! Given when this work was created, I'm wondering whether these artistic and expressive decisions point towards themes of anxiety or a breakdown of society, what do you think? Curator: These thematic interpretations depend on the spectator, however the value is intrinsic. I’d invite you to contemplate the aesthetic structure and let the shapes lead your observation. What have you learned today? Editor: To trust the shapes, to engage with form itself. Thanks for opening my eyes to this interesting interpretation of the piece!