Canto XXXIII: [no title] 1983

Editor: So, this is Esq Tom Phillips’s Canto XXXIII, from Tate Collections. I find the contrast between the figures striking, almost theatrical. What do you see in this piece? Curator: This image encapsulates power structures and their inherent violence. The figures looming above suggest authority, while the figure below is almost surrendering. Consider how Phillips uses Dante's Inferno to critique contemporary social injustices. What do the fragmented texts suggest to you about the artist's view of language and authority? Editor: That's interesting. The text seems to undermine any clear narrative. I hadn’t considered it in terms of social commentary, but it makes sense. Curator: Exactly! By juxtaposing classical literature with modern imagery, Phillips challenges us to confront ongoing cycles of oppression. The skull at the bottom adds a layer of mortality to the power dynamics. Editor: I learned so much! Thank you for sharing your insights. Curator: My pleasure. It's crucial to view art as a reflection of our society.