Mahoane la mal 

Editor: Here we have "Mahoane la mal" by Samuel Mutzner. It looks like an oil painting, with a kind of rustic, textured feel to it. What catches your eye in terms of how it was made? Curator: The impasto technique is prominent; see how thickly the paint has been applied. Consider what this physicality brings to the scene. It's not just depicting boats on a shore; it’s about the labor, the tangible effort, almost sculptural in its presence. Do you see how the rough handling of the oil paint mirrors the grit and wear associated with boats and harbor work? Editor: Yes, it's almost like you can feel the salt and sand just looking at it. So, is the way the art was made a statement in itself? Curator: Precisely. This isn’t just a pretty picture. By emphasizing the materiality, Mutzner highlights the act of creation, challenging the separation between fine art and physical labor. Think about the supply chains, the paint manufacturing process, the canvas production… It all contributes to our understanding. Editor: That’s interesting. I was so focused on the visual elements of the boats that I missed the significance of the impasto! Curator: Consider that impressionism, beyond its aesthetic appeal, also coincided with industrial changes in pigment production. Cheaper, readily available paints meant more experimentation and a shift away from traditional academic techniques. The way materials become available really dictates the artist. Editor: So, even something seemingly simple like the thickness of paint can open up a whole discussion about production and social history! Curator: Absolutely. By exploring the tangible, we can uncover narratives that reach far beyond the surface.