Canto XXXI: [no title] 1983

Editor: This is *Canto XXXI* by Esq Tom Phillips, held at the Tate. It presents an ape towering over two distinct cityscapes. It's quite striking, actually, this juxtaposition of old and new. What symbols stand out to you in this image? Curator: Notice how the ape, a primal symbol, dominates both skylines, suggesting a primal force acting upon civilization itself. Consider also the cultural memory embedded in the ape as a symbol of untamed nature versus the aspiration of human progress reflected in those cityscapes. Editor: So, is Phillips suggesting a conflict between nature and civilization, or perhaps something more complex? Curator: Perhaps it's about the cyclical nature of power, the rise and fall of empires, with the ape embodying a kind of eternal return. What do you make of the subtle text in the top left corner? How does that change your interpretation? Editor: I hadn’t noticed it before. Food for thought about how we perceive progress and destruction. Thanks for pointing that out!