Swissair, All Evidence of Man Removed 1993

Curator: Angus Fairhurst’s “Swissair, All Evidence of Man Removed,” held at the Tate, presents us with a curious scene. Editor: It’s stark, almost chilling. The bright white airplane silhouette against the blue and white mountain range creates a powerful visual tension. Curator: Fairhurst, known for exploring existential themes, prompts reflection on humanity's impact by essentially erasing it. The Swissair reference adds another layer. Editor: Absolutely, the title underscores anxieties around corporate failures and the consequences of unchecked globalization. And that erasure, that removal, speaks volumes about power, visibility, and loss. Curator: Precisely. It raises questions about what happens when human systems fail, and what remains. Editor: Indeed, a poignant reminder of our fleeting presence within a seemingly eternal landscape. Curator: This small-scale work really packs a punch. Editor: It does. It leaves one pondering what ‘evidence’ truly signifies in the grand scheme.