The Angel of the Flowing Light 1968

Editor: Here we have Cecil Collins's "The Angel of the Flowing Light," located in the Tate Collections. I'm immediately struck by the figure's otherworldly quality and the dark landscape below. What do you see in this piece? Curator: Considering the socio-political climate during Collins's life, and the rise of humanism, this angel seems to be a response to a world increasingly focused on material concerns. Do you think this image offers a space for contemplation, perhaps a rejection of purely rational thought? Editor: It does feel like an invitation to a different way of seeing. I guess I hadn't considered its historical context. Curator: Collins may be asking us to reconsider the role of spirituality and imagination in society. I'm drawn to the way he uses the image of the angel, a symbol often linked to institutional religion, to invite a more personal form of reflection. Editor: I see what you mean. It's a far cry from a traditional religious painting. Curator: Exactly. Thinking about the public role of art, Collins seems to be using this image to foster a sense of wonder and critical thought. Editor: That's a great point. I definitely see it differently now. Thanks!