Seated Woman with Square Head (Version B) 1955

Editor: This is Kenneth Armitage’s bronze sculpture, Seated Woman with Square Head, Version B. It strikes me as quite stoic, almost monumental in its stillness. What do you see in this piece? Curator: I see a figure grappling with the weight of societal expectations. Armitage, having witnessed the impact of war, often explored themes of resilience and the human condition. Consider the "square head" – is it a symbol of rigid roles imposed upon women? Editor: That's interesting. So, are you suggesting that the sculpture is a critique of those roles? Curator: It could be. The seated posture, usually associated with passivity, is juxtaposed with the strong, geometric form, creating a tension. Does this resonate with contemporary conversations about gender and power? Editor: It definitely makes me think about the constraints women still face. Thanks, that was insightful. Curator: Absolutely. Art allows us to unpack these layers, making the past relevant to our present struggles.