40th Regiment 1970

Curator: Larry Rivers' work, titled "40th Regiment," presents a collage of images related to military life, rendered with a loose, almost sketch-like quality. What's your first take? Editor: It feels like a fragmented memory, a collection of impressions rather than a coherent narrative. The use of what looks like silver mylar as a backing is curious. Curator: Indeed, Rivers often challenged traditional art forms, questioning the role of historical representation. These figures appear like ghostly remnants. Editor: The military iconography is clear, but the blurred edges and layering hint at the psychological impact of war, the fading of glory into something more complex and haunting. Curator: Rivers was deeply engaged with American identity and its narratives. This piece may be a commentary on militarism and its pervasive presence within American culture. Editor: It suggests something deeper than just a record of events; it hints at the enduring, perhaps even troubling, symbols associated with military service and patriotism. Curator: A striking visual meditation on the cultural weight of military imagery, wouldn't you say? Editor: Absolutely, a collage that invites contemplation about the stories we tell ourselves about war and nationhood.