Defended to Death 1983

Editor: This is Peter Kennard’s “Defended to Death,” from the Tate collection, a photomontage showing the Earth wearing a gas mask with bullets for filters. It's really unsettling. What statements do you think Kennard is making here? Curator: The visual language speaks volumes about the Cold War era, doesn't it? The gas mask transforms our planet into a site of potential annihilation, highlighting the absurdity of mutually assured destruction. What does it tell us about the relationship between power, protection, and planetary survival? Editor: It's a pretty cynical view. So, is Kennard suggesting that the superpowers' protection strategies are actually destroying the planet? Curator: Precisely. Kennard’s art serves as a stark reminder of the violence inherent within systems of power. Reflect on how artists challenge dominant narratives. Editor: It's a powerful message about the cost of ideological conflict. Thank you. Curator: Indeed, a somber, yet crucial reflection.