Walking the Dog 1976 - 1979

Editor: Keith Arnatt's black and white photograph, "Walking the Dog," captures a seemingly mundane moment. The man's slightly awkward pose, combined with the dog's attentive gaze, creates a strangely compelling image. What do you see in this piece, beyond the surface? Curator: I see a commentary on the performance of the everyday. Arnatt, working in a period of intense social upheaval, highlights the absurdity of societal norms. The act of "walking the dog" becomes a stage for examining human-animal relations within capitalist structures. Where does the agency lie? Is the man walking the dog, or is the dog walking the man? Editor: That's fascinating. I hadn't considered the power dynamics at play. It challenges the simple narrative I initially perceived. Curator: Precisely. And consider the backdrop, a seemingly natural space, yet undeniably shaped by human intervention. It’s a reminder that even our leisure activities are interwoven with complex social and political landscapes. These intersections are key to his practice. Editor: It gives me a lot to think about – thank you! Curator: My pleasure! It is important to question what we think we already know.