Tables c. 1983 - 2007

Editor: This is León Ferrari's "Tables," undated, and held at the Tate. It's a drawing, and the repetition is quite mesmerizing. What symbols do you see at play here? Curator: Notice how Ferrari uses a systematic grid, almost like a blueprint. But look closer – the 'tables' are formed by repeating symbols of electronic components. Editor: Right, I see the resistors and capacitors. Curator: These weren't just abstract shapes to Ferrari. During the Argentine dictatorship, these circuit diagrams symbolized the dehumanizing systems of power and control. Can you see how that technical precision amplifies the emotional weight? Editor: That's a chilling thought. It's not just a pattern; it's a statement. Curator: Exactly. It's a powerful example of how seemingly objective symbols can become loaded with meaning.