Fable 1982

Editor: This is Paul Huxley’s "Fable," a large, nearly square painting in the Tate collection. It feels like two contrasting halves, geometric forms in a limited palette. What symbolic weight do you see in this stark composition? Curator: The diptych format immediately suggests duality – perhaps a visual representation of opposing forces. The shapes, although abstract, echo architectural motifs, implying structure, while their fragmented arrangement hints at a destabilization of that order. Editor: So, the title "Fable" isn’t necessarily literal, but more about the underlying narrative structure? Curator: Precisely. Fables often use simple forms to convey complex moral lessons. Huxley uses geometric forms like archetypes, tapping into our subconscious understanding of shape and space to communicate a broader message. Editor: I see how those visual symbols resonate across time. Thanks for shedding light on this piece! Curator: My pleasure. Art unlocks new secrets the more we engage.