[no title] 1978

Curator: The raw texture gives a primordial feel, like a relic unearthed from some ancient, forgotten civilization. Editor: This photograph by John Piper captures a stone carving in Luppit, Devon. The dimensions are unconfirmed, but approximately 502 by 698 mm. Curator: It's striking how Piper frames this fragment. The grotesque face, the organic, almost intestinal carvings – it all speaks to the abject, challenging conventional beauty standards. Editor: Piper was deeply interested in British vernacular architecture and religious spaces. He often explored how these spaces embody national identity, especially during wartime. The carving is from St Mary's Church in Luppit, built in the early 16th century. Curator: This image and the actual stone carving raise questions about appropriation and representation within religious institutions. Editor: Indeed, it shows us how imagery and architecture play into the narrative of a community. Curator: It definitely makes me want to dive more deeply into understanding the social and religious symbolism embedded within this piece. Editor: For me, this artwork highlights the enduring power of art to connect us to the past and reflect societal values.