Urbanus VI 2015

Curator: Looking at Iseult Labote’s "Urbanus VI" from 2015, my first thought goes to how thoroughly this evokes… elevation. Editor: The composition really thrusts you skyward, doesn’t it? There’s a clear visual emphasis on upward movement that mirrors the socio-economic rise apparent in urban centres. Curator: Exactly. In a contemporary setting like this, you can’t separate this image from that specific symbol of power. Visually, those repeated rectangular shapes almost seem to mimic tablets or windows, icons reflecting on technology. Editor: From a socio-historical perspective, the artist's choice of public flags speaks volumes about how public space is shaped by competing interests. The flag becomes an important form of art itself, of popular appeal that transcends typical cultural consumers and art world elites. Curator: In terms of the photograph’s deeper symbols, note the repeating rectangular figures that also look very much like stacked gold bars – they reflect that underlying reality of financial transaction. And they’re everywhere now, especially in contemporary cities. Editor: Yet by using flags, that symbolism becomes incredibly interesting in how corporations and institutions aim to assert power in subtle ways over society, influencing how we look at our lives. How often do we even actively *see* flags beyond times of national celebrations or crises? They slowly weave themselves into the architecture. Curator: The materiality really contributes to that effect as well. With photography, this almost documentarian approach reinforces an experience that goes unnoticed in our ordinary, daily surroundings. By placing it here in an image, our perspective changes completely. Editor: True, that almost ‘passing’ aspect creates an illusion, an invisible environment we navigate. Curator: Overall, this reminds me of the psychological and historical implications that come into play through visual perception. Thank you, this will make us reconsider our everyday environments. Editor: I completely agree; that focus on architecture, signage, and flags encourages new discussions about commerce, art, and authority today.