Keep your Head 1930

Curator: Edward Burra created this striking collage, "Keep your Head," now residing at the Tate. Its dimensions are about 59 by 54 centimeters. What is your initial reaction to this unsettling composition? Editor: Chaos, definitely. There’s a dark, almost satirical mood at play. The disparate elements—the machinery, the veiled figure, the grotesque head—create a sense of disjointed narrative, reflective perhaps of societal anxieties of the time. Curator: The juxtaposition of mechanical and human elements is significant. Burra often explored themes of alienation and the dehumanizing effects of modernity, with a focus on the individual against the backdrop of societal decay. Note the almost surreal combination of technology and archaic figures. Editor: Absolutely, and I see a critique of power structures. The veiled figure wielding what looks like a dagger suggests violence and control, while the mechanical component embodies industrial power. The cartoon head feels like society's mocking reaction. It's a powerful statement about the vulnerability of identity. Curator: The artist’s selection of imagery reveals a complex understanding of symbols. The animal and masked figures invite a deeper exploration of the unconscious and the ways identity is performed. Editor: Overall, it’s a stark reminder of art’s capacity to confront uncomfortable truths about ourselves and our world. Curator: A glimpse into the artist’s unique vision and his ability to provoke thought through unconventional imagery.