Coronation 1937

Curator: Here we have Ivon Hitchens's "Coronation," currently held in the Tate Collections. The support measures approximately 902 by 1219 millimeters. Editor: It's striking, isn't it? The bold blocks of color feel almost architectural in their arrangement. There's a real emphasis on the materiality of the paint itself. Curator: Absolutely. Hitchens's career navigated the complex post-war landscape, balancing abstraction with a recognizable connection to the natural world. His works often reflected the socio-political climate in England. Editor: I'm thinking about the surfaces. The way the paint is laid down speaks to a direct, almost urgent process. There’s a rawness that belies the somewhat ceremonial title. Curator: It’s interesting how Hitchens uses these abstract forms, pushing the boundaries of what constitutes landscape painting within the context of British modernism. Editor: Seeing how Hitchens applied the paint, I'm really drawn to the tension between representation and pure abstraction. It really makes you think about the work involved in creating these pieces. Curator: It definitely offers a window into Hitchens's process and the broader dialogue around art's role in society. Editor: Indeed, focusing on the materiality really highlights the tangible aspect of art.