[no title] c. 2001 - 2007

Curator: León Ferrari's collage presents a stark visual contrast. The dimensions are approximately 420 by 297 mm. The original artwork is part of the Tate Collections. Editor: The immediate impression is chaotic, almost apocalyptic. The dense imagery on the newspaper creates a disturbing visual texture. Curator: Indeed. The juxtaposition of medieval woodcut-style figures with modern newsprint creates a dialogue between different historical periods, perhaps critiquing the cyclical nature of conflict and power. Editor: It reminds us of the ways in which institutions—here, presumably the Church given the newspaper masthead—deploy symbolic imagery to reinforce ideological control. Curator: The layered images create an active visual field where the eye jumps around, trying to find meaning in the superimposition. Editor: A fitting piece, then, considering Ferrari's long history of challenging institutional power structures through his art. It's a powerful use of collage as a political statement.