Death or Glory 1963 - 1964

Curator: At first glance, this sculpture by George Fullard titled, "Death or Glory," gives off a somewhat unsettling vibe. Editor: Unsettling, yes, with its fragmented planes and precarious balance, it seems to teeter on the edge of collapse. The contrasting textures, from smooth wood to bristled brush, add to that feeling. Curator: Fullard, born in Sheffield, was deeply affected by the horrors of World War II, a trauma that resurfaces repeatedly in his art. It is alluding to the futility and senselessness of conflict. Editor: The materials themselves speak of the readymade, the discarded, lending a kind of wounded quality. The geometric forms fight for space, creating an uneasy harmony. Curator: Absolutely. This work transcends pure aesthetic formalism; it’s a potent symbol of cultural memory, reminding us of war's lasting scars. It's a puzzle of what we keep and discard. Editor: I agree. What seems like a chaotic assemblage resolves into a powerful statement on the precariousness of existence. A somber meditation, really.