The Lewis Glacier, Mt. Kenya, 1987 Possibly 2014 - 2015

Editor: Okay, next up we have "The Lewis Glacier, Mt. Kenya, 1987" by Simon Norfolk, and from what I understand, this shot was taken much later, maybe 2014 or 2015. It's a photograph and...wow, the stark contrast of the bright orange line against the icy landscape is really striking. What do you make of this piece? Curator: It hits you right in the gut, doesn't it? A seemingly untouched vista marred - or maybe marked - by a searing line of light, a scar of sorts. It’s as if the mountain itself is bleeding. The artist seems to be saying something about the environment and our impact. I'd even argue it's about time. Do you think this single, bright line could be something symbolic? Editor: Perhaps a warning? Like a burning fuse, counting down. It’s really ominous, the stillness of the mountain juxtaposed with the fiery color. Curator: Yes, or it's mapping something, or revealing a previously hidden path. It evokes the past while urgently screaming about the present, which is pretty much Norfolk’s M.O., wouldn't you agree? A sort of…forensic aesthetic. Like here's the crime scene. See for yourself. Feel for yourself. Editor: Definitely! And knowing the context—a shrinking glacier—it hits even harder. It transforms what could just be a pretty landscape photo into a powerful statement. Curator: Absolutely. Art that sits you down in its lap and sings you a lullaby is great but, this photo elbows you in the ribs and tells you to WAKE UP. Now I’m thinking less ‘warning’ and more ‘witness’. Editor: Right, we're seeing something disappearing right before our eyes. It really underscores the urgency of climate change in a surprisingly beautiful way. Curator: Well said. It proves that beauty isn't just decorative; sometimes, it can be devastating. And a good swift kick. Editor: Exactly. It's made me see the landscape genre in a totally new, more urgent light.