Curatorial notes
This is an illustration by C. Goes, titled 'Two Boys Under a Tree,' created with ink on paper. The starkness of the ink emphasizes the simplicity of the scene: two children pausing in their play beneath a bare tree. There is a certain amount of labor evident in the controlled application of the ink, carefully building textures and delineating forms with precision. Look at the detailed lines on the tree trunk or the subtle shading on the boys' clothing. The cross-hatching effects show a time-honored drawing technique. However, the artist is also thinking about efficiency. The quick, expressive marks suggest a process where capturing the essence of the scene is favored over meticulous detail. The thinness of the paper itself speaks to a kind of disposability. The artwork reminds us that even seemingly simple images are the result of decisions about materials, processes, and the value we place on both labor and artistic expression. By considering these factors, we can gain a deeper appreciation for the image itself.
