Bexhill on Sea (De la Warr 7) 1998 1998

Editor: Here we have John Riddy's "Bexhill on Sea (De la Warr 7)" from 1998, part of the Tate Collection. It's a photograph, seemingly of an interior space looking out. It feels very architectural and precise. What do you see in this piece? Curator: The photograph emphasizes the means of production and the materials themselves. The glass, steel, and concrete aren't just aesthetic choices; they speak to post-war reconstruction and social ideals. How does Riddy's framing influence your understanding of labor and consumption? Editor: I hadn't considered the social implications of the materials. The framing makes it seem staged. I’m now wondering how the materials used in the construction of this building affect its purpose and lifespan. Curator: Precisely. And thinking about the labor involved—from mining raw materials to constructing the building—shifts the conversation beyond aesthetics. Editor: This focus on material and production has definitely changed how I see the image. It's less about the beauty and more about the story of its creation. Curator: Exactly! Shifting our focus from aesthetics to the material process enriches our understanding of the artwork and the society it reflects.