Himself

Editor: This is Barry Flanagan's "Himself," an undated print in the Tate collection. It's quite abstract, almost dreamlike. What do you see in this composition? Curator: The dynamism of the lines creates an interesting tension. Notice how the stark contrast between light and shadow sculpts the form. The deliberate use of negative space is equally compelling. Do you agree? Editor: Yes, it feels raw, immediate. I hadn't considered the negative space so consciously. Thanks! Curator: Precisely. The materiality of the printmaking process contributes to this sense of immediacy. A successful experiment in form.