Landing Strip 1984

Curator: Editor: Abdul Mati Klarwein’s "Landing Strip," created in 1984 with mixed media, presents this fantastic landscape with incredible detail, almost like a microscopic view. It feels very surreal and dense. What do you see in this piece? Curator: For me, it is precisely the artist's choice of mixed media that intrigues. How does the selection of paint contribute to the portrayal of what appears like an organic structure, maybe some giant leaf? It pushes against any simple "naturalistic" label; the meticulous technique calls attention to itself, foregrounding the constructed nature of this world. What do the marks, and how they're made, tell us about production and the artist’s labor? Editor: That’s a good point. Looking at the way he layers the materials, especially how the lines create such a distinct texture, it definitely makes me think about the act of making and labor. Does this speak to his other works? Curator: Exactly. Consider Klarwein's broader artistic context, his album covers, and psychedelic imagery. His labor isn't just the solitary artist; he's involved in the commercial art world. Does “high art” mean less artistic work than what an artisan might engage in to get paid for their art or service? I want you to think about where he got his canvas, what tools he is using and for how long. Editor: That's interesting, the connection to the commercial art world makes me consider who this piece was made for. I see the value of appreciating the materials used. I can see what’s intended to look “organic” really is, materially, artificial in so many ways. Curator: Right. By focusing on the physical and social elements that underpin it, you go beyond just seeing this as representation of an idyllic spot. Think of how landscapes are made, extracted and used! Editor: I hadn’t thought about that until now. Thanks for shedding light on the role of materials and context in understanding a painting like this! Curator: Indeed. Considering the materiality alongside artistic vision allows for richer and socially informed encounters with art.