Foliate Heads II 1975

Curator: John Piper's "Foliate Heads II," held here at the Tate, presents a captivating composition, though it is undated. Editor: It feels like stepping into a playful masquerade, doesn't it? The bold colours against the stark black create a dramatic effect. Curator: Piper often merged abstraction with recognizable forms; this work, for example, reflects on the symbolism of nature in British art. The 'foliate head' motif itself has deep roots in medieval art and folklore. Editor: I see faces emerging from a vibrant jungle. The juxtaposition of organic and geometric shapes gives it this sort of whimsical quality, almost like a stage set. Curator: Piper was deeply involved in theatrical design. His contributions to stagecraft, his sets and costume designs, definitely influenced his approach to painting. Editor: It’s like a garden party gone delightfully wild—a celebration of nature, but with a wink. I think this piece would look amazing printed on fabric. Curator: I think it captures how he saw the world: layered, complex, and full of echoes of the past. Editor: Absolutely—it’s a vibrant, enduring echo.