Morning on the Shore 1892

Editor: This is Edward Mitchell Bannister's "Morning on the Shore," created in 1892 using watercolor. It’s small, almost feels like a quick sketch. What strikes me is the depiction of labor - those two figures on the shore appear to be working, perhaps collecting something? What can you tell me about it? Curator: Bannister's use of watercolor here speaks volumes. It's a readily available, relatively inexpensive material, suggesting accessibility and perhaps a focus on capturing the everyday rather than aiming for monumental, gallery-bound art. Notice how the luminosity achieved through layering watercolor depicts the wet rocks at the shoreline in striking detail. It really captures the work being done on the shore. Do you get the sense that this piece considers class and labor, not just the aesthetic beauty of the landscape? Editor: Yes, definitely. It's not just a pretty scene. Those figures aren't just there for decoration; they're actively involved in some kind of work, connecting to the material realities of the shoreline. The loose strokes capture an active, transient landscape, right? Curator: Precisely. And consider the context: Bannister, as an African-American artist, navigated a racialized art world. Choosing watercolor, depicting everyday labor, and focusing on landscape - these can all be read as conscious choices. They emphasize the importance of material conditions and lived experience. The means and material reflect something more intentional about visibility. Editor: That adds a whole other layer to it. It is making me rethink how artists' choices connect to broader social and economic forces. Curator: It challenges traditional notions of what constitutes 'high' art, prompting us to consider the labor, materials, and context embedded within even a seemingly simple watercolor landscape. Editor: I see it now. Thanks so much! I will not be able to unsee those material connections moving forward. Curator: My pleasure, now we can continue considering those elements when we look at our next work!