At the gallop 1967

Curator: This is Alfred Krupa's "At the Gallop," created in 1967 using charcoal and ink. It's a powerful, expressive piece. Editor: Yes, its kinetic energy is palpable. The charcoal work has created a dynamic, even chaotic feeling in the piece. Is it successful in achieving this feeling? Curator: The rapid, gestural marks indeed establish the sensation of movement, which seems paramount. Note the abstraction of form; the figures—the horse and rider—are barely defined, secondary to the suggestion of unbridled speed. Editor: It feels rooted in the postwar interest of representing movement and power in an abstract expressionist mode. Was this sort of theme supported in galleries or by the art scene in Yugoslavia? Curator: Definitely. It would have placed Krupa into dialogue with a longer history of representing power and heroism in Yugoslav painting, though with a distinctly modern accent, which aligns with international art trends. One might consider it a critique, even, of those earlier grand narratives. Editor: Or a reinvigoration? How does Krupa utilize colour here? The muted palette—charcoal, ink—feels significant. Is there a historical context? Curator: Yes, it steers clear of vibrant heroic colours. Instead, these tones evoke a moodiness, even solemnity, more appropriate perhaps, to a generation reckoning with the aftereffects of a brutal conflict. The materiality speaks loudly here: charcoal dust smudged onto paper – fragility representing the new way forward in Yugoslavian modernism. Editor: A visual metaphor then, perhaps. I keep coming back to that dynamic energy. The diagonals, the swirling lines… It gives this artwork an incredible forward thrust. Curator: Precisely! I think we both can conclude with an admiration for this expressionist painting and it’s capability of capturing movement so perfectly and passionately! Editor: Indeed.