Untitled 1971

Curator: Here we have Howard Hodgkin's "Untitled," a print from the Tate Collections. Its dimensions are 273 by 362 millimeters. Editor: It's so bold! The way the shapes play against each other is surprisingly joyous for such simple forms. I wonder about the printing process involved. Curator: Observe how Hodgkin orchestrates a visual rhythm using the spotted background to contrast with the large, dominant circle and the overlapping shapes. The layering creates a complex visual field, doesn't it? Editor: Definitely. And considering the materiality, the ink must have been applied in distinct stages to achieve the translucency where the black overlaps the green. That's something, that is. Curator: Precisely! Hodgkin's formal strategy emphasizes pure color and shape, almost denying depth while simultaneously creating it through juxtaposition. Editor: For me, it’s about the labor inherent in printmaking, the meticulous steps required to build up the image. The work is the process. Curator: Well, considering the balance between surface and depth, Hodgkin pushes the boundaries of representation, compelling us to think about seeing itself. Editor: And to appreciate the skill and time involved in making something appear effortless. I think Hodgkin manages to do both.