Greek Landscape II 1960 - 1961

Editor: This is Michael Ayrton’s *Greek Landscape II*, the date of which is unknown. It feels so stark, almost oppressive, with its heavy use of dark tones. How would you interpret the cultural context of a piece like this? Curator: Ayrton's work often grappled with classical mythology viewed through a modern lens. Considering this, how might the "Greek Landscape" serve as a commentary on post-war disillusionment with classical ideals? Editor: That’s interesting, I hadn’t thought of it in relation to disillusionment. Curator: The starkness could reflect a societal shift away from romanticized views of the past. Does the image evoke a particular emotional response in you, and how might that connect to broader anxieties of the time? Editor: It makes me think about ruins, in a way that suggests a lost civilization. That connection to history is what I will remember. Curator: Exactly, the "ruins" can act as a powerful metaphor, inviting us to consider the cyclical nature of civilizations.