McBrayne’s Ferry Possibly 1977 - 1983

Curator: This linocut is by Barry Flanagan, born in 1941, titled "McBrayne's Ferry." It's part of the Tate Collection. The red monochrome makes a powerful statement, wouldn't you agree? Editor: Absolutely, it's arresting! The starkness of the red amplifies the scene, giving it a slightly dreamlike quality. Like a faded memory struggling to stay bright. Curator: The ferry, named for the Scottish shipping company, becomes a vessel carrying more than just cargo. It speaks to journeys, both physical and symbolic, wouldn't you say? Editor: Definitely, the simplified forms feel archetypal, hinting at universal themes. The lone bird, for example, adds a sense of yearning and freedom. Curator: Yes, and the choice of linocut, with its bold lines, enhances the sense of directness, honesty. The simplified imagery evokes both nostalgia and a subtle tension. Editor: The boldness also lends it a kind of everyday heroism. It makes the familiar feel significant, you know? It elevates the mundane moment. Curator: I think so too. Flanagan captures an intersection of industry and nature here, echoing the perpetual dialogue between humans and their environment. Editor: It’s as if he's reminding us of the beauty hidden in the ordinary. It's an invitation to slow down, to observe, to feel the pulse of life in the simplest of scenes.