Handsworth Riots: Birmingham, United Kingdom Possibly 1985 - 2021

Curator: Pogus Caesar captured this raw, poignant moment in his work "Handsworth Riots: Birmingham, United Kingdom," a black and white photograph likely taken between 1985 and 2021. It's intense, isn't it? Editor: My breath caught the moment I saw it. It's stark – the overturned car, the smoke, but almost surreal because life seems to continue unaffected. A couple walks calmly by as if the chaos is merely scenery. Curator: Exactly! The overturned car is this potent symbol of disruption, violence, yet life goes on. The architecture reminds me of that solid, unchanging, working class life. The bricks tell stories. What do you make of the figures in the window? Editor: The figures peering from behind the window represent an audience and symbolize the division created during this event. On the one hand, you have this burning object symbolizing anger, but, on the other hand, those looking symbolize the division. There is something powerful and dangerous about being a witness. The composition guides my eye between these extremes, highlighting that division. Curator: The figures walking calmly could represent both indifference and hope; life prevailing after unrest. It’s about looking deeper. What feels real and what’s perceived, know what I mean? Editor: And isn’t that what "realism" in art has always strived to do? Strip away the layers and expose raw human truths – violence and resilience, despair and hope existing side by side. A powerful contradiction. This reminds us how deeply intertwined we are with moments of turmoil. Curator: It leaves you pondering what "peace" even looks like. Thanks to the composition and these layers of symbols. Very often, turmoil opens our eyes and allows new possibilities. This photo shows an incredible transformation! Editor: You’re right, what seemed like an instant of social breakdown now is the potential beginning for profound societal transformation and even catharsis. A silent scream echoed across the decades, still asking difficult questions.