Untitled 1985

Curator: Bruce McLean's "Untitled" presents striking silhouettes against a vibrant, layered background. It’s held in the Tate Collections, though its date remains unknown. Editor: The composition immediately strikes me; the stark black figures against that saturated blue and red create a palpable sense of tension. It feels almost theatrical. Curator: Interesting. Considering McLean’s background, this theatricality might stem from his performance art roots. He often challenged the art establishment. Editor: I see how the abstract forms and flattened perspective push the boundaries of representation. The crude shapes suggest a deconstruction of the figure itself. Curator: Precisely. McLean utilizes inexpensive materials like paint on paper, in line with his challenge to commodity-driven art production and consumption. Editor: The layering effect builds depth and visual interest and emphasizes the raw materiality of the piece. I can almost feel the texture of the paper and paint. Curator: Agreed. This work certainly encourages us to reconsider traditional notions of artistic skill and the value we assign to materiality. Editor: It's a compelling interplay between form and concept; a raw, powerful statement captured in simple means.