Lonewolf 1981

Curator: Here we have Colin Self’s image, "Lonewolf." Editor: The stark contrast immediately grabs you, doesn't it? A tiny cat against an immense black void, framed by a milky circle. Curator: Yes, and the title! It speaks to Self's recurring themes. Consider the anxieties of the nuclear age and this feeling of isolation. He was deeply involved in peace activism. Editor: The minimalist approach—that single form, the overwhelming negative space. It amplifies the cat’s isolation, turning it into a symbol. Curator: The composition also underscores the artist's interest in representing vulnerability within seemingly safe domestic settings, a powerful reflection of Cold War paranoia. Editor: Agreed. The simplicity creates a lasting impact, prompting us to consider the weight of solitude and the precariousness of existence. Curator: Absolutely. Self's work remains a potent reminder of those tensions, and is still relevant today. Editor: A simple image that contains such complex meaning.