Study for "Chinese Information Travel"—Man with Bow 1980

Larry Rivers made this study for "Chinese Information Travel—Man with Bow" using pencil on paper. This is a straightforward, almost vernacular approach to art-making, seemingly humble materials, and accessible processes. The pencil marks vary in intensity, creating a sense of depth and texture. The smudging and erasure marks also reveal the artist's process, showing how the image was built up and refined. But the sketch belies the complexity of the project for which it was made. Rivers was interested in the way that information is transmitted across cultures, and how it changes in the process. The artist challenges traditional distinctions between fine art and craft by embracing a more accessible, process-oriented approach to art-making. The use of pencil and paper also emphasizes the amount of work involved in the production process, highlighting the artist's labor and skill. Ultimately, the material and its making are crucial to understanding the full meaning of this deceptively simple artwork.