Collective Red 1998

Arsen Savadov’s photograph, Collective Red, captures a staged scene within what appears to be a slaughterhouse. The photograph merges elements of high culture with the harsh realities of labor. The work's material context is particularly striking: the raw, visceral environment of the slaughterhouse sharply contrasts with the elaborate costumes of the bullfighter and the woman. The heavy, blood-stained aprons of the workers are in stark opposition to the fine material of the matador’s suit, decorated with gold embroidery. The inherent qualities of each fabric, from the matador's silk and gold to the workers' protective gear, tells a story of class and labor. The staged scene evokes a sense of performance. The labor-intensive butchering process is made visible. Savadov’s photograph challenges traditional distinctions between fine art and craft, and brings questions of labor, politics, and consumption to the forefront. It reminds us that materials and making are central to understanding the full meaning of an artwork.