Small American Fires 2016

Editor: Teresita Fernandez's series, "Small American Fires," consists of twelve small panels, each depicting fire. The scenes are quite dark, with only the flames providing light. What do you see in this piece? Curator: These seemingly simple depictions of fire evoke a complex interplay of power, destruction, and resilience. Fernandez, as a Latina artist, often explores themes of landscape and identity. Consider the socio-political implications of "American Fires" - who benefits, who suffers, and whose stories are erased in the aftermath? Editor: That's a powerful interpretation. I hadn't considered the socio-political aspect so directly. Curator: What if we see the fire as a metaphor for social unrest, for marginalized voices finally erupting? Or the quiet, insidious burn of systemic injustice? Editor: This reframing allows us to view the artwork as a visual commentary on current societal issues. Thanks! Curator: Precisely! It's about critically examining the systems at play.