Untitled [standing nude with her left arm behind her back] 1955 - 1967

Editor: This is an ink drawing, seemingly simple, by Richard Diebenkorn. It's called "Untitled [standing nude with her left arm behind her back]" and it's dated between 1955 and 1967. The lines are so economical, almost severe. How would you interpret this work, especially its stark presentation of the human figure? Curator: The apparent simplicity is deceptive. It speaks to a lineage reaching back to ancient goddess figures, a visual language distilled to its most potent elements. Consider the positioning of the arm, almost hidden; it evokes a sense of vulnerability, perhaps a psychological barrier. What do you make of the fact that the genitalia are covered by lines, resembling a net? Editor: That’s interesting; I hadn't considered the “net” as potentially symbolic. I guess I had taken the covered genitalia for granted as simply avoiding vulgarity, as I hadn't assumed that Diebenkorn was interested in shock value. The "hidden" arm seems so deliberate and intentional. The overall pose somehow radiates introspection or even resignation. Curator: Indeed. And within that net symbol, we might discern various threads—social constraints, perhaps the male gaze itself—encaging the female form, influencing the way that form is viewed, understood, and even controlled by cultural pressures and artistic traditions. Do you agree? Editor: That resonates with the feeling of restriction that the pose evokes. I think this definitely gives me a more nuanced perspective. Thanks! Curator: My pleasure. Thinking about visual vocabulary as a form of cultural memory certainly enriches our encounter with the work.