11.10.84 1984

Curator: Sean Scully's '11.10.84', created on the 11th of October, 1984, presents us with a study in stark contrasts. My first impression is somber. Editor: Yes, there's a definite weight to its materiality. Looking closely, one sees the rough texture of the crayon on the support. How does this materiality reflect the industrial and social landscape of the time? Curator: The vertical and horizontal marks could be seen as a kind of labour, evoking the repetitive tasks of industrial workers. The work is made from relatively inexpensive materials like paper and crayon, which speaks to the accessibility of art making and its ability to represent everyday life. Editor: Perhaps. But the subtle gradations within each band also draw me in. The slight imperfections create depth and movement, almost as if the forms are breathing. The composition's balance, the play of dark and light. Curator: It's a testament to how Scully uses the simplest means to evoke complex associations. Editor: Indeed, and the piece remains compelling, inviting ongoing contemplation of its form.