Nude 1943

Curator: This is David Bomberg’s “Nude,” a striking oil on canvas located in the Tate Collections. The date of creation is unknown. Editor: The first thing that strikes me is the evident materiality; you can almost feel the thickness of the paint and the force of each brushstroke. Curator: Precisely. Consider how the artist manipulates light and shadow; observe the angularity of the figure and how the limited color palette contributes to the overall sense of austerity. Editor: It is fascinating how Bomberg seems to grapple with representation through a focus on the sheer physical presence of paint and the labor involved in its application. Curator: A compelling encounter with form and substance. Editor: Indeed, a testament to the tangible processes behind art.