Vier ruiters te paard before 2009

Editor: So, here we have Aat Verhoog's "Vier ruiters te paard," created before 2009. It's this really intriguing collage, a mix of drawing, etching, and other print techniques all on paper. What immediately strikes me is the juxtaposition of these riders – they're all on horseback, but in such different styles. What’s your read on it? Curator: The piece is less about the romantic heroism often associated with equestrian art, and more about deconstructing the *making* of those narratives. Notice the varying print techniques; each method brings a unique texture, almost like different grades of labor applied to image production. Consider too how collage is itself a process of cutting, rearranging, and re-contextualizing pre-existing materials. What do you think is the effect of using this specific process? Editor: It feels almost like Verhoog is dissecting the *idea* of the heroic rider, pulling it apart and showing us the seams. The different printing methods really highlight how the image is constructed rather than presenting a seamless illusion. Like a disassembled product? Curator: Precisely! By displaying the mechanics of production, Verhoog forces us to confront the materiality of the image itself. Is it a window to another world, or a constructed object meant to persuade or manipulate us? Even the torn edges contribute, challenging the supposed preciousness of “art”. What statement might that make, in your opinion? Editor: It kind of demystifies the artwork, showing its physical components and almost challenging the distinction between a mass produced piece and high art. Curator: Exactly! We often overlook how art is made, choosing instead to focus solely on its symbolic meaning. This work brings the means of its creation to the forefront. I now wonder: how does this material-focused lens shift your perception of the piece overall? Editor: It definitely makes me think less about what the riders represent symbolically, and more about the techniques Verhoog employed, and the deliberate act of creation. I came in thinking about heroic figures and leaving with thoughts on materiality, printing and labor.