From ‘The Tenth Plague of Egypt’ Exhibited 1802, JMW Turner 1998

Cornelia Parker's artwork, created at an unspecified date, features fragments from JMW Turner's painting 'The Tenth Plague of Egypt.' Parker’s unearthing and re-presentation of Turner’s work brings forth questions about the historical interpretation and treatment of culturally significant artifacts. By taking remnants of Turner’s artwork, Parker is in conversation with themes of destruction and recreation, forcing us to confront history's legacy of colonialism and cultural appropriation. In a sense, Parker challenges traditional art historical narratives, spotlighting both the emotional impact of the original work and the contemporary discourse surrounding it. The remnants themselves— scarred and fragmented—become a poignant metaphor for the fragmented nature of history itself.