Prelude 1968

Curator: Colin Self's print, titled "Prelude," presents a striking juxtaposition. The image itself is a black and white rendering of a warplane against a mountainous backdrop, bordered by a vibrant red field. Editor: The immediate impression is one of stark contrast, not just in color but in subject matter. The aggressive form of the plane clashes with the serene natural landscape. Curator: Indeed. The plane, a symbol of industrial power and perhaps impending conflict, is set against mountains, which have historically represented permanence, the sublime, even the divine. Editor: And yet, the flatness of the print flattens both. The red border, almost violently bright, contains the image, forcing these contrasting elements into a single plane of vision. It's a clever act of framing. Curator: The title "Prelude" and the subtitle "Power and Beauty" suggests an anticipation. Is it the prelude to technological triumph or to environmental degradation? Editor: Perhaps both are intertwined, impossible to separate in Self's vision. The red might signify a warning, a danger signal. Curator: It does present a fascinating tension between the allure of technology and its potential consequences. A potent reflection on our times. Editor: A visually concise statement, achieving a certain disquieting harmony through dissonance.