Untitled 1965 - 1973

Editor: This is Naum Gabo's "Untitled," a print held in the Tate. The dark background and enclosed shape feel almost womb-like, primal. What symbolism do you see at play here? Curator: The oval, an ancient symbol of potential, suggests an egg, the beginning of life. The turquoise wedge inside hints at growth, a seed sprouting, but also division, the inherent duality of existence, of self and other. What memories does that bring up? Editor: I hadn't considered the division; it feels like a protective barrier. Curator: Perhaps. Gabo's Constructivism often explored these tensions. This print, while abstract, evokes the very human impulse to define boundaries, to both protect and explore the unknown. What do you make of the texture? Editor: It gives the image an aged, almost archaeological feel. It's like uncovering something ancient. Curator: Precisely! It connects us to a lineage of symbolic thought, echoing forms and meanings across cultures and time. This piece is richer than I first thought.