Walking the Dog 1976 - 1979

Curator: "Walking the Dog," by Keith Arnatt, isn't dated but it has all the hallmarks of the late 70s or early 80s. Editor: It's incredibly still. The grey tones give it an almost melancholic feel, like a memory fading at the edges. Curator: Arnatt often explored the banal aspects of everyday life, elevating them through photography. The composition, with the man and dog posed against the shop window, is strikingly formal. Editor: The reflections in the window are interesting. They add layers of depth that complicate the relationship between the subject and the background. Is he really walking the dog, or just pausing? Curator: Exactly. The banality is the point! I think it’s a brilliant piece because it makes you consider the human element in public spaces. Editor: It’s humble, and yet through its stillness, it invites contemplation. Something very moving in its own quiet way.