Untitled 

Editor: Here we have an untitled graphite drawing by Zdzislaw Beksinski. It's quite striking, almost nightmarish, with these imposing architectural forms looming over a humanlike skull. How do you interpret this work through a formalist lens? Curator: Initially, one observes a profound manipulation of light and shadow, characteristic of Beksinski’s oeuvre. Notice the stark contrast; the luminosity concentrated on the cranial form serves to emphasize its fragmented texture and the smooth curvature. These details advance to achieve overall formal tension in the picture plane. How might the artist's structural arrangement contribute to its overall effect? Editor: Well, the skull figure in the foreground is contrasted with the structures looming behind it which creates an impressive, yet ominous effect due to their overwhelming size and detailing. I'd like to further discuss symbolism. Curator: Symbolism is beyond the purview of formalist evaluation, wouldn’t you agree? Rather, if we were to focus on pure forms, how might we appreciate the textural gradient between the smooth cranium, the rough walls, and the intricate, possibly machinelike architecture in the distance? The gradient invites the eye on a visual journey. Editor: I see, so it's about observing the artwork itself. Paying close attention to things like line, shape, texture, and light. I appreciate this deep dive into form over context. Curator: Precisely. Formalism offers an objective method of appraising art's internal logic and the pure effectiveness of its visual language, devoid of extraneous historical or subjective content.