Head XII 1998

Curator: Here we have Per Inge Bjørlo’s "Head XII," currently part of the Tate Collections. The image measures approximately 282 x 227 mm. Editor: It looks like the inside of someone's head, a tangled mess. I can feel the texture just by looking at it. Curator: Bjørlo's focus extends to the socio-political implications of mental states. It's a study of interiority, reflecting psychological turmoil in postwar art. Editor: Look at the layering! The artist really worked the plate to achieve this density. How the ink clings and pools speaks volumes. Curator: Indeed. Its stark palette speaks to the anxiety pervading the late 20th century art scene. I'm struck by the political undertones of representing inner chaos. Editor: Considering how this was made adds another layer to the interpretation. The hands-on process suggests a direct connection with the artist's psyche, don't you think? Curator: A compelling argument! This has given me a new perspective on the role of printmaking in conveying complex emotional states. Editor: Yes, seeing the physical involvement changes the way I consider the finished image.