Dimensions: support: 420 x 297 mm
Copyright: © Leon Ferrari | CC-BY-NC-ND 4.0 DEED, Photo: Tate
Editor: This untitled work from León Ferrari, comprised of what appear to be newspaper clippings, has a strong political feel. The stark black text against the aged paper creates a somber mood. What is your interpretation of the materials used here? Curator: This piece highlights the materiality of information itself. Ferrari uses pre-existing newspaper clippings, mass-produced objects reflecting the social context of violence against priests in Argentina. The process of selecting and juxtaposing these fragments transforms them, shifting their meaning. Consider the role of media in shaping public opinion and dissent during that period. Editor: So, it's not just about the content, but the material itself as a commentary? Curator: Precisely. The ephemeral nature of newsprint contrasts with the weight of the crimes reported, forcing us to confront the process by which information is circulated, consumed, and potentially manipulated. It makes me question where this piece locates itself within high art. Editor: I hadn't thought about it that way. Thanks, I see a whole new level of meaning now. Curator: Likewise, I appreciate your fresh perspective.