Greyhounds c. 1911

Editor: Amadeo de Souza-Cardoso’s "Greyhounds," from around 1911, done with oil paint, offers a striking image. It's an odd painting – those looming dogs and, below, these strange horizontal creatures – perhaps greyhounds too? – certainly create an intriguing tableau. How would you interpret this unusual work, what does it bring to mind for you? Curator: You know, it's tempting to get caught up in "what are they," and I'm more interested in what it makes *me* feel. It's like Souza-Cardoso is playfully toying with reality. Post-Impressionism granted permission to artists like Souza-Cardoso to be less concerned with perfect representation and instead play with symbolism and dream logic. Do those "horizontal creatures," as you call them, strike you as unsettling in any way? They do me. Editor: Unsettling is a great word for it! There is something strange, almost unsettling, about their placement and those giant eyes staring at you. Do you think the colours contribute to this effect? Curator: Absolutely. The contrast between the deep black, bright white of the greyhounds, set against the softer greens and browns and oranges creates tension. Look at the background too - that touch of orange where the sky meets the hills - isn’t there a feeling of something… else? A portal, maybe? Editor: Yes, I see that. It definitely pulls the eye. This painting, at first glance, felt almost naive but now it's resonating much more with its complex emotions and composition. Thanks so much for sharing your insight! Curator: My pleasure! It is a wonderful piece, one that invites more questions each time you encounter it, isn't it? That's what makes art so addictive!