Ducks 1967

Editor: This is "Ducks" by Dame Elisabeth Frink, from the Tate collection. It's a print, and the image feels both serene and slightly unsettling with its stark lines. What do you see in this piece? Curator: The image of ducks often symbolizes adaptation and emotional comfort. Frink’s treatment, however, complicates this. Notice the red shape, almost like a wound, disrupting the calm surface. Does it evoke a sense of unease or disrupted peace for you? Editor: Definitely unease. The bright red against the muted tones is jarring. Curator: Precisely. And consider the reflections—they hint at hidden depths and the subconscious. Perhaps Frink is exploring the fragility beneath a seemingly peaceful surface, echoing broader anxieties. Editor: That's a powerful interpretation. I hadn't considered the psychological depth. Curator: Visual symbols hold layers of meaning, reflecting personal and collective experiences. It's fascinating how Frink subverts familiar imagery. Editor: I'll definitely look at Frink's work differently now. Thanks!