Decalcomania 

Curator: Take a moment to regard this abstract painting, titled "Decalcomania," by the British surrealist artist Conroy Maddox. The medium looks to be expressionistic applications of paint, perhaps oils. Editor: The density of the paint is the first thing I notice. Impasto, clearly; the surfaces are incredibly built-up, labored even. And those dual figures... striking! There's a powerful symmetry to the overall form that draws me in. Curator: Indeed, the formal symmetry serves as a scaffolding for Maddox's exploration of the unconscious mind, typical of his surrealist practice. Note the vertical orientation of the piece and the tension generated between the earth and sky, divided by what looks like a body of water or solid horizon line. The title suggests the printmaking technique called decalcomania, transferred from one surface to another, implying hidden depths and chance encounters. Editor: And speaking of division, what strikes me is the distinct contrast in textures: a rough, almost sculptural background against the comparatively smooth forms in the center. You can almost feel the difference in application, in labor itself. How does that physicality play into the expression of surrealism? Curator: This tactile dimension invites us to contemplate how Maddox’s methods disrupt rational control. Consider the role of automatism within Surrealism and this physical method introduces that element. It serves to suggest that meaning arises from unconscious forces at work in and through his body as an artist. The duality between order and disorder speaks of Surrealism and dream-states. Editor: It raises an important question about our expectation of fine art versus other, perhaps, more material processes. I feel as if those bold colours and thick swathes bring a vital tension, between deliberate choices and raw, unpremeditated activity of artistic creation, right? Curator: Exactly, the bright colors against a stark background offer striking contrasts. Maddox seems to be employing both control and relinquishing to chance happenings on the canvas. Editor: Maddox creates a strangely compelling and disconcerting universe from paint itself. Curator: Agreed. An unforgettable exercise in balancing intentionality with process, structure and chance.