Pie in the Sky 1936

Editor: This etching is called *Pie in the Sky* by Julian Trevelyan, made in 1936. It's such a bizarre scene; it feels like a dreamscape. What do you make of it? Curator: It does have a dreamlike quality, doesn't it? Trevelyan often explored surreal landscapes. The "pie in the sky" motif is about utopian promises, things that seem wonderful but are ultimately unattainable. Notice how he juxtaposes industrial structures with organic forms, almost mocking the notion of progress. It feels as though the artist is offering us a glimpse into his soul, wouldn't you agree? Editor: I see what you mean about the unattainable. The image feels so complex, it’s hard to know where to focus. Curator: Exactly! It’s deliberately disorienting, reflecting the fractured reality of the pre-war years. Trevelyan is urging us to question what we’re being sold, and what we truly value. Editor: That's fascinating; I didn’t pick up on that at all. Curator: It's all about digging beneath the surface. Art is about more than just what meets the eye, isn't it?