IV 1976

Curator: Allen Jones's "IV" is a lithograph that offers a visually striking exploration of form and representation. Editor: Immediately, the fragmented composition and intense red evoke a sense of tension, almost aggression. Curator: The disembodied limbs, the floating tabletop… Jones often used such imagery to explore themes of fetishism and the objectification of the human form. Editor: Yes, the formal construction is key. The flat planes, stark contrasts, and bold, unmodulated color contribute to its impact. Curator: It reflects a broader cultural fascination with the human body, particularly female sexuality, prevalent during the Pop Art era. Editor: It’s more than mere representation; it’s about the deconstruction and reconstruction of form, asking how we perceive these familiar shapes. Curator: Ultimately, I think the work holds a mirror to our own desires and anxieties. Editor: A fragmented mirror, reflecting a complex and unsettling reality.