Untitled [two reclining female nudes with a striped pillow] 1955 - 1967

Curator: Here we have a pencil drawing by Richard Diebenkorn, titled "Untitled [two reclining female nudes with a striped pillow]," created sometime between 1955 and 1967. Editor: Immediately, the loose, gestural lines evoke a feeling of intimacy and perhaps a shared moment of repose. There's an undeniable softness despite the starkness of the medium. Curator: Diebenkorn's figuration, specifically his nudes, can be seen as participating in a long art historical conversation while also reflecting the shifting perspectives on the female body during the mid-20th century. How do you interpret that interplay in this work? Editor: The beauty of the work is not only in its subject, but in how the varying pressure of the pencil creates volume. Look how light describes form without resorting to photographic realism; it emphasizes line and tone as self-sufficient elements. The composition is carefully considered, with the striped pillow providing a striking visual contrast to the figures’ forms. Curator: And it also perhaps contextualizes the setting, suggesting an interior, domestic space, within which we can ask questions about gendered expectations of privacy and portrayal. The relationship between the figures, their gazes—or lack thereof— invite further questioning. Editor: Absolutely. It allows Diebenkorn to delve into the fundamental elements of art - line, tone and composition, all interacting harmoniously on the page, resulting in this intimate experience for the viewer. Curator: Examining "Untitled," it's fascinating to see how Diebenkorn engaged with these dialogues while also offering a space to reflect on shifting societal ideas around female representation and lived experiences. Editor: A lovely discussion that shows how paying close attention to detail can be profoundly moving, thank you!