Disparates (Romulus and Remus) 1974

Curator: Peter De Francia's "Disparates (Romulus and Remus)" presents us with a rather unsettling depiction of the iconic Roman myth. Editor: Disturbing is right. The stark lines and almost grotesque figures create an atmosphere of unease, a far cry from the heroic narrative we usually associate with the tale. Curator: De Francia, working in the latter half of the 20th century, often used historical subjects to critique contemporary power structures. I think the imagery here can be seen as dismantling the myth. Editor: It's definitely a deconstruction. The wolf seems monstrous, the human figures are bizarrely costumed. What are they meant to represent? Curator: The "disparates" of the title, meaning follies or absurdities, speaks to the idea that the foundation myths themselves are inherently flawed. This challenges the legitimacy of power. Editor: So, a commentary on the fallibility of leadership? I can see that. It feels like a raw, unfiltered look at how history is constructed and manipulated. Curator: Precisely. It's a challenge to the viewer to question the narratives they've inherited. Editor: A powerful and very necessary provocation, I think. Curator: Indeed. De Francia reminds us that even the most ingrained stories deserve scrutiny.