[title not known] 1970

Curator: Dame Elisabeth Frink's print, depicting a chicken and cockerel, presents a study in monochrome. It's held in the Tate Collections. Editor: The stark contrast of the black ink on the white paper gives it a rather ominous mood, doesn't it? They appear cornered, almost anxious. Curator: It's interesting to consider Frink’s wider oeuvre; her works often explored themes of masculinity and vulnerability, sometimes reflecting post-war anxieties. Editor: I wonder if the print speaks to the anxieties of animal welfare at all? These birds have a raw quality, not prettified, which resonates with contemporary concerns. Curator: That's a valid point. Thinking about the social function of art, Frink’s piece might be seen to provoke questions about our relationship with the natural world. Editor: Exactly. Perhaps Frink, even unconsciously, tapped into the power dynamics inherent in human-animal interactions. Curator: It definitely leaves more to ponder than a simple farmyard scene, doesn't it? Editor: It does indeed. A deceptively simple image with a profound underlying message.