Village Myths No. 36 1983

Curator: Alan Davie, a Scottish painter born in 1920, created this untitled piece, "Village Myths No. 36." It's quite large, over two meters tall. What's your initial take? Editor: Chaotic, in the best way. Look at the layering, the raw application of paint. It feels… primal. What's the materiality here? Curator: Davie embraced a kind of shamanistic performance in his process, drawing inspiration from Zen Buddhism and various cultures. The symbolism is incredibly personal, even hermetic. Editor: Yes! You can see it in the mix of materials, the blending of high and low. Is that textile incorporated into the central figure? Cowhide perhaps? Curator: Davie often resisted categorization, blending painting, collage, and assemblage. These diverse influences manifest in the bold colors and cryptic imagery. He wanted to tap into universal myths. Editor: It's definitely raw, but deliberate. The making is intrinsic to its meaning. What a forceful statement about art's potential beyond mere representation. Curator: Precisely. It challenges the very notion of a fixed narrative. Editor: A fascinating piece to consider regarding the politics of creativity itself.