Floods by  Roland Vivian Pitchforth

Floods c. 1935

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Dimensions: support: 635 x 813 mm

Copyright: © Tate | CC-BY-NC-ND 4.0 DEED, Photo: Tate

Editor: So, this is "Floods" by Roland Vivian Pitchforth, an oil on canvas. It certainly captures a sense of isolation, with that car almost swallowed by the water. What's your read on the social context of this piece? Curator: I see a commentary on humanity's relationship with nature. Consider the period: post-war Britain, grappling with industrialization and its consequences. Does the flooded landscape represent a subtle critique of unchecked progress? How does Pitchforth use the mundane image of a car to represent broader themes? Editor: That's interesting. I hadn't considered the post-war context. Curator: The painting perhaps suggests a tension between technological advancement and the natural world's power. The car, a symbol of modernity, is rendered helpless. What do you think Pitchforth is saying about the role of humans in the face of ecological forces? Editor: I guess it's a reminder of our vulnerability, regardless of our technology. Thanks, that gives me a lot to think about. Curator: Indeed, art serves as a continuous dialogue, reflecting and shaping our understanding of the world.

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tate 7 days ago

http://www.tate.org.uk/art/artworks/pitchforth-floods-n04933

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tate 7 days ago

Pitchforth studied at Wakefield and Leeds Schools of Art before the First World War and at the Royal College of Art from 1920-5. He held his first solo show in 1928 and throughout his career his chosen subjects were landscapes, with particular attention given to weather conditions. 'Floods' is a good example of this interest in the British weather, and it was painted from notes made on the spot at Pulborough, Sussex, probably during the winter on 1935, although the artist was not absolutely sure about the date. Gallery label, September 2004