Pastoral Cross, Opera della Duomo, Siena, Italy c. 20th century

Curator: What a find! This is Kenneth John Conant’s "Pastoral Cross, Opera della Duomo, Siena, Italy," a study of architectural detail. It looks like it's rendered in pencil on paper. Editor: It has such a delicate, almost ethereal quality. The cross seems to float on the page, disconnected from gravity. Curator: Conant’s focus here is on the intricate Gothic details, the ornate carvings that define the cross's presence. It's about celebrating craftsmanship. Editor: Yes, but it also makes me think about the power structures of the church. The cross, as a symbol, isn't just about faith; it's about institutional control. The elaborate details become almost a form of visual excess. Curator: Perhaps, but look how the soft pencil lines invite us closer. It’s a chance to appreciate the artistry, the beauty. I mean, isn’t there inherent value in meticulous design, regardless of its social context? Editor: Design always exists within a social context. The cross’s symbolism has been used to justify oppression. Ignoring that would be a disservice to the complexity of its history. Curator: I suppose. Still, I find a certain serenity in this piece. Maybe we can find space for both. Editor: Agreed. Nuance is key when confronting these thorny histories, and art offers a lens to do so.