Alan Davie

Obscure Biological Function Surrounded by Nerve Impulses

1948

Not on display

Artist: Alan Davie 1920–2014
Medium: Monotype on paper
Dimensions: Support: 254 x 401 mm
Collection: Tate
Acquisition: Purchased 1989
Reference: P77280

Display caption

Influenced by the Surrealists, Davie would make prints by sandwiching ink between a pane of glass and a sheet of paper, and scratching the paper with his fingers. The image only became visible once the sheet was lifted. Davie was enthusiastic about this chance element, writing: 'I have discovered so much and developed so rapidly ¿ My work is something very strange'. His poetic titles relate this strange imagery to the natural world.

Gallery label, September 2004

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