Diagram of a Conversation, George Melly 1972

Editor: Here we have Barry Flanagan's "Diagram of a Conversation, George Melly," a simple line drawing. It feels unfinished, raw. What can you tell me about Flanagan's process here? Curator: The image’s power lies in its apparent simplicity, obscuring Flanagan's sophisticated understanding of mark-making. Note the paper's texture, its relationship to the graphite. How does this work challenge traditional portraiture, focusing less on likeness and more on the act of depiction itself, the labor involved? Editor: That makes me rethink my initial assessment. So, it's not unfinished, but rather a conscious decision? Curator: Precisely. Consider the material conditions – the availability of graphite, the cost of paper. These factors shape the final artwork and its accessibility to a wider audience. Editor: I never thought about it that way! Thanks. Curator: Considering production opens up new avenues of interpretation.