Quartered Arc 1970

Curator: Gordon House's "Quartered Arc", housed here at the Tate, is a striking example of minimalist printmaking. The dimensions are relatively small, roughly 168 by 168 millimeters. Editor: It's so contained, isn't it? Like a little puzzle box. Makes you want to turn it around and see what other shapes it can make. Curator: The interplay of solid black and contrasting negative space forces a reconsideration of the materials. The labor involved in achieving this level of precision with printmaking tools… Editor: It feels like a quiet rebellion against chaos. The rigid structure is soothing, but that one white quarter calls out. There's a bit of melancholy there, wouldn't you say? Curator: Perhaps. It’s certainly an interesting departure from the bolder color explorations House is known for. Editor: It's a whisper, not a shout. I think there's something very potent in that restraint. Curator: Indeed. An exquisite piece, showcasing the artist's mastery of line and form. Editor: Absolutely. It's really grown on me; I feel like I could stare at it for hours!