Fiumara, Calabria 1930

Editor: So, this is M.C. Escher's "Fiumara, Calabria," an engraving from 1930. It depicts a village nestled within a rather dramatic landscape of rocky cliffs and what seems to be a vast riverbed or dried lake. I'm struck by the contrast between the dense, almost claustrophobic detail of the village and the broad emptiness of the surrounding landscape. What stands out to you when you look at it? Curator: It's interesting that you find the landscape empty; I see it as charged with a particular kind of socio-political anxiety, reflected in the environment. Escher made this print while traveling in Italy. Considering the period – Italy in 1930 was under Mussolini’s fascist rule – how do you think this context might have influenced Escher’s depiction of the Italian landscape and its relationship to the built environment? Editor: Hmm, I hadn't considered the political context so explicitly. Perhaps the somewhat bleak and overpowering landscape could reflect the sense of being overwhelmed or overshadowed by a dominant ideology, dwarfing the individual lives within the village? Curator: Precisely! And consider the engraving technique itself. The sharp lines, the stark contrast between light and dark, lends itself to a certain...inflexibility, wouldn't you agree? Could that also be read as a commentary on the rigid structures of power prevalent at the time? The almost unsettling precision might not be just about representing reality; it may be about suggesting a controlled reality. Editor: That's fascinating. The technique amplifying the sense of control. I was so focused on the surreal aspects; I didn't fully grasp the possible political commentary. Curator: It's easy to get lost in Escher's technical brilliance, but situating his work within its historical and social context reveals deeper layers of meaning. Hopefully, that opens up a new perspective for you to see this work! Editor: Absolutely. Thinking about the landscape as a political statement and not just a backdrop really changes my understanding. Thanks for pointing that out!