Head V 1998

Curator: Per Inge Bjørlo, born in 1952, created this haunting etching, "Head V." Editor: My immediate reaction is unease. The face is obscured by a thicket of lines, evoking feelings of anxiety and obscured identity. Curator: Bjørlo’s work often explores themes of mental and physical fragmentation, reflecting the societal and personal struggles within the Nordic context. Editor: The lack of clear features makes me think about the suppression of individual identity within broader social narratives, perhaps the weight of cultural expectations. Curator: Consider the etching process itself – the deliberate scratching and biting into the metal mirrors the internal turmoil represented. The Tate acquired this in 1998, placing it into dialogue with other works exploring similar anxieties. Editor: Looking closer, the lines almost seem to cage the face. The piece feels like a powerful visual metaphor for the internal conflicts and restraints we carry. Curator: A poignant reminder of the silent battles we all face. Editor: Indeed, it leaves a lasting impression of vulnerability and resilience.