Rank 2 1967

Curator: This is Joe Tilson's "Rank 2," made in 1967. It's part of the Tate collection. Editor: It looks like a 1970s board game waiting to happen! So geometric and warm, almost edible with those orange and yellow hues. Curator: Tilson's work often engages with classical forms through a very Pop Art lens, reflecting on the cultural obsession with geometry and structure during that era. Editor: Right! There is a playful subversion of serious architectural themes. Like a ziggurat built from candy blocks. Curator: Considering the sociopolitical climate of the late 60s, Tilson's use of rigid shapes can be interpreted as a commentary on societal structures. Editor: Or maybe he just really liked honeycombs! Either way, it is a simple yet captivating design, so inviting. Curator: Precisely. It encapsulates a specific moment in art history, one where the boundaries between high art and popular culture became beautifully blurred. Editor: It’s a tasty, thought-provoking visual treat, that’s for sure!