Balcony c. 1928 - 1929

Curator: Right now we're looking at Edward Burra's small print, "Balcony", held here at the Tate. Editor: Immediately, I get a sense of something secretive, almost sinister, conveyed through the sharp contrasts. Curator: Burra, born in 1905, often depicted social scenes with an undercurrent of unease. You see that in his choice of stark black and white. Editor: And the figures feel stylized, almost like masks. It really amplifies the drama, wouldn't you say? Curator: Absolutely. The stylized figures, the confined space, contribute to a sense of claustrophobia and tension, reflecting his perception of society. Editor: It's a compact work, but manages to evoke a really expansive narrative feel. I love how the artist forces us to consider what might be going on. Curator: Indeed, Burra's small print packs a punch, offering a glimpse into his world of social commentary.