-Thank You Dog Tray- mechanical bank c. 1880

Editor: Here we have "-Thank You Dog Tray- mechanical bank" from around 1880, housed right here at the Minneapolis Institute of Art. The sculpture seems to be composed primarily of ceramic and wood, forming a simple figuration. Its size gives it a sense of childishness. What are your impressions, particularly in the work’s material qualities and composition? Curator: Immediately, the juxtaposition of the dog, and doghouse forms the primary compositional structure. One can read the wooden base as unifying mechanism or structural element. As a grouping the forms achieve unity. But more so is that achieved though its color, and surface texture. Consider its geometric planes – what do they evoke for you? Editor: I find it interesting that such distinct geometric shapes – cubes and right angles mostly - create such a warm impression overall. I would expect them to make the piece more cold and analytical. The color of the doghouse against the rest also feels stark. Is there a tension there? Curator: It does present a tension, but think of it in terms of contrasting hues. The green and brown offer the eye a visual push and pull, preventing any static interpretation. More than just tension it might be best considered an interplay, and what does the “Thank You” tray that the dog is holding present in light of your point. Editor: The green helps tie the doghouse and tray, then there is balance with the base which has its own character that doesn't match the other items. What I am left with is not an object that wants to only present as perfect but one of a process and imperfection. Curator: Exactly, and it's in this interplay, this very tension, that we can perhaps see something not just of aesthetics, but something more substantial – perhaps a rudimentary system, a pre-cursor for more complex interactions to follow. Editor: I appreciate your take; it’s helped me notice visual and structural tensions that might reveal something of its deeper workings.