Fantasy of Flight c. 1713 - 1733

Curator: I’m immediately struck by the sheer kinetic energy of this piece. It feels like a whirlwind of bodies caught mid-air. Editor: Indeed! This is "Fantasy of Flight" by Thomas Carwitham. Carwitham, born in 1713, was creating this striking image sometime in the early 18th century. It now resides here at the Tate. Curator: Early 18th century, wow. Are they angels? Demons? I can't quite tell if they're ascending or...falling. Editor: Well, the title suggests flight, but the sheer number of figures crammed into the composition creates a sense of overwhelming chaos. The work challenges the conventions of the time by disrupting traditional hierarchies. Curator: It's true. It's almost claustrophobic, but compelling! You can get lost in the details, making up stories for each figure. It is, in essence, about being free to dream. Editor: Perhaps it's a reflection on the societal constraints placed upon imagination, or a commentary on the human desire to transcend our limitations. Curator: Well said. It's a rather brilliant and mad little piece, isn't it? Editor: Precisely. It is an extraordinary and lasting exploration.