Washing a Horse 1368 - 1911

Editor: So, here we have “Washing a Horse,” dating anywhere from 1368 to 1911, a Chinese drawing done in ink on paper. It seems rather simple and unadorned in its presentation of labor. What strikes you about it? Curator: I'm interested in the practical elements here. Think about the labour required, not just to perform the act of washing, but in the very creation of the artwork. The sourcing of materials, the grinding of ink, the preparation of the paper – these actions are equally important to the image itself. Consider how labor and value are depicted within and beyond the frame of the image itself. What statements can we make when drawing these comparisons? Editor: That’s an interesting point! I was mainly focused on the scene being depicted. Curator: But doesn’t that depiction also represent labour? It's not simply a pastoral scene; it's a documentation of a necessary task. Furthermore, consider who this was made for and the social standing of those depicted versus that of the drawing's likely commissioner. This gives clues to societal divisions in China. Editor: So, it’s more than just ink on paper; it's about highlighting and questioning those relationships? Curator: Precisely! It’s about challenging traditional notions of fine art. Ink drawings were accessible through materials and practice, and circulated at varied societal levels. Consider the implied narrative, the actions just before and after what’s shown; what kind of social relationship do they suggest between human and animal and among humans? Editor: I see it differently now, thinking about labor, materiality and class distinctions offers an alternate interpretation of a seemingly quiet work. Curator: Indeed. The materials and labor of creating the work itself and of that depicted give clues into social structure. It encourages one to analyze beyond a purely aesthetic viewpoint.