Swiss Bridge, Mont St. Gothard (Via Mala) 19th-20th century

Editor: This is Frank Short's "Swiss Bridge, Mont St. Gothard (Via Mala)." The sepia tones give it a rather brooding, almost oppressive atmosphere. What does this image communicate to you? Curator: The "Via Mala," or bad road, speaks to the historical subjugation of nature. This print prompts questions about who built this road and bridge, who benefited, and who suffered during its construction and use. Whose labor is unseen in this romantic vision? Editor: So, it's not just a pretty picture of a bridge? Curator: Precisely. It's a document, a representation that invites us to consider power dynamics inherent in landscape and infrastructure. It makes me wonder about environmental impact, too. Editor: I see. It's definitely made me think about it differently. Curator: Hopefully, it will inspire similar questioning from our listeners.