Dimensions: object: 347 x 465 x 306 mm
Copyright: © The estate of Peter Startup | CC-BY-NC-ND 4.0 DEED, Photo: Tate
Editor: This is Peter Startup’s sculpture, "Evening." It’s undated, and appears to be constructed of wood and some kind of plaster or clay. I'm struck by how the textures and shapes almost seem to mimic architectural forms. What do you see in its composition? Curator: The interplay of geometric forms is indeed compelling. Notice the contrast: the smooth cylindrical volume on the right against the textured, tablet-like shape on the left. The wood grain and the patterned surface create a dynamic tension. Editor: So, the relationship between the two objects creates meaning? Curator: Precisely. The piece invites us to consider how these elements interact, creating a dialogue between form and texture. The artist uses semiotics, which could tell a story through abstract language. It's about the relationships implied by their arrangement. Editor: That’s fascinating! I hadn’t considered how much the textures add to the narrative. Curator: These contrasting elements, placed in such proximity, ask us to contemplate the nature of form and material.