The Crossing 1985

Curator: Here we have Colin Self's "The Crossing," held in the Tate collection. It immediately strikes me as foreboding. The dark palette and skeletal structures create a somber mood. Editor: And consider how Self has built up the paint, layering dark hues to create a rough texture. It reflects the brutalist architecture he often depicted, focusing on form and the social realities embedded in urban planning and the construction industry. Curator: The power lines with their bright red insulators are striking, almost violently punctuating the composition. It's hard to ignore the symbolism here, representing a culture tethered to technological and industrial progress. Editor: Absolutely. The image resonates with anxieties about technological advancements and their intersection with political power, particularly during the Cold War era, reflecting a broader societal unease. Curator: The materials, the application – it’s all working towards a commentary about human-made structures and their impact, almost a lament. Editor: It's a stark reminder of the complex relationship between progress, societal control, and individual autonomy. Curator: Indeed, a powerful piece that lingers long after viewing. Editor: Yes, a haunting intersection of materials and meaning.