Once Upon a Time There was Oil (Car on Beach II) 1981

Editor: Terry Setch's "Once Upon a Time There was Oil (Car on Beach II)" is quite a striking piece, isn't it? The charred and murky textures give off such a desolate, almost apocalyptic feel. What do you make of it? Curator: Apocalyptic is spot on! It's a landscape of loss, really, isn’t it? The title alone suggests a lament for a past poisoned by our reliance on oil. I feel the violent application of materials mirrors the violence we inflict on the planet. Does it make you think about the cost of progress? Editor: Absolutely, the car wreckage really drives that point home. It's like a modern-day memento mori. I never considered the technique as part of the message itself, that’s fascinating. Curator: Setch is a master of marrying form and content. And perhaps it is an invitation to reflect on our role in this ongoing story, because “Once Upon a Time” isn’t over, is it? Editor: Definitely not! Thanks for making me see so much more than just a wrecked car.