The Washington Fountain [collaboration with Karl Torok] 1972

Curator: Looking at Ian Hamilton Finlay's "The Washington Fountain," made in collaboration with Karl Torok, one can't help but notice the stark contrast between the cold precision of the battleship and the fluidity implied by the title. Editor: Yes, its structure is quite arresting. The ship's sharp lines against the soft suggestion of water creates an immediate tension. The battleship almost seems to be emerging from a classical frieze. Curator: Exactly. Finlay often explored the uneasy relationship between classical ideals and military power. The title, “Washington Fountain,” references both the naval treaty signed in Washington to limit naval armaments and the traditional image of a fountain. Editor: So the starkness is deliberate. It invites us to reflect on the illusion of peace achieved through negotiation, all while hinting at the ominous presence of militarization. Curator: Precisely, and it speaks to the ongoing tensions within political and social structures that continue to impact global relations. Editor: It’s a simple yet powerful statement; I appreciate how the minimalist approach amplifies the symbolic weight.