Konsul 1962

Curator: Let's discuss Eduardo Paolozzi's sculpture, "Konsul," residing here at the Tate. It's a powerful stacked form over two meters tall. What's your immediate take? Editor: It feels like a modern totem, burdened by the weight of industrial memory, those geometric shapes hinting at ancient symbols. Curator: Precisely. Paolozzi used found materials, challenging distinctions between art and manufacturing. He celebrated ordinary labor. Editor: Those urn-like shapes atop are curious—suggesting vessels of knowledge, perhaps? There's a connection to past civilizations, even in these recycled materials. Curator: It’s the interplay of material and symbol, isn’t it? Paolozzi presents the remnants of industry as emblems of a shared, evolving culture. Editor: It makes you consider how objects accrue meaning over time, shifting from mere function to powerful cultural markers. Curator: Indeed, Paolozzi has transformed base materials into something profound. Editor: A potent reminder of the stories embedded in our surroundings.