Horse and Jockey c. 1939

Palmyra Pimentel created this watercolor called "Horse and Jockey". The artwork's composition is defined by the elongated form of a horse and rider, stretched horizontally across the picture plane. The colour palette is muted, dominated by a pale, off-white hue that gives a sense of age and fragility. This piece plays with the semiotics of representation. While the subject matter is straightforward, the execution is anything but. The horse and jockey are flattened, almost cartoonish, which destabilizes the traditional heroic portrayal of equestrian subjects. The number '20' emblazoned on the horse's flank acts as a signifier, pointing to the commercial aspects of horse racing and the commodification of sport. Ultimately, "Horse and Jockey" invites us to question the values and categories we often take for granted. It’s not just a painting; it’s a commentary on representation, commerce, and the ever-shifting landscape of meaning.