The portrait of the cat (detail) 1994

Curator: Looking at this intriguing work, we have a detail from Alfred Freddy Krupa’s 1994 piece, "The portrait of the cat," executed in pencil. Editor: It’s surprisingly gentle for a pencil drawing. The warm, reddish tones lend a soft, almost vulnerable quality to the cat's profile. Curator: It's fascinating how Krupa manages to convey so much with what appears to be a quick sketch. The cat, in art history, often symbolizes independence, mystery, even a connection to the occult. But here, I think we see something more personal. Editor: I agree. The upward tilt of the cat's head, the slightly narrowed eye…it's an expression of alertness, perhaps contemplation. The lines aren’t harsh; they're soft and layered, building a sense of gentle observation, less about primal instincts. Consider how ancient Egyptians saw cats not only as gods, but also as everyday guardians of their homes. Krupa seems to be channeling that intimacy. Curator: The choice to focus on the head in profile certainly plays into that. By presenting this "detail," Krupa gives us, the viewer, a privileged closeness with this animal. We also should see that it was the 1990s. What did that period and time mean for the Balkans? He would soon create another important body of works after spending months as a soldier fighting for Croatian sovereignty. So we can also consider what did it mean to make portraits and simple sketches and drawings while your own life might be at risk every day. Editor: A guardian not just of place, but of the domestic, or as a familiar symbol of domestic serenity in a troubled world and perhaps also something more than this; in these troubling conditions a symbol for protection, even defense. Curator: Yes, in troubled times art is often trying to heal or process or maybe just provide brief moments of escape. Even the material of a "simple" pencil contributes here, contrasting it against heavier, and less practical approaches for processing this pain. Editor: Absolutely. This "sketch" offers a unique and timeless glimpse into how our relationship with animals reflects us. It is about our own needs and about this deep connection which goes beyond words. Curator: Indeed, it is also, importantly, not an overtly public artwork. It is the expression of the private sphere; an attempt to keep things for ourselves and what is important. Editor: It will leave us contemplating the subtle language of observation and affection, I imagine.