El Veterinario (The Veterinary) 1942

Curator: This is "El Veterinario (The Veterinary)," a print made by José Guadalupe Posada in 1942. It's a striking graphic, the figures and text rendered with sharp, deliberate lines. Editor: It’s incredible! I’m drawn to the detail Posada achieved, considering it's a print. It seems to portray a scene of common labor but, what do you find most compelling about this work, especially considering Posada’s background? Curator: For me, it's the clear depiction of the labor process that really stands out. Posada wasn't just an artist; he was a key figure in disseminating information to the masses through printed media. He highlights the everyday reality and labor of the veterinary practice through a materialist lens. The printing press becomes a tool for cultural production. It's interesting to note the contrast of classes presented. Editor: You mean like the veterinarian tending to the needs of a domestic animal within the context of the laboring class? Curator: Exactly! The materials and processes used to create this print – the printing press, the wood or metal blocks, the ink – democratize art, making it accessible to a wider audience, unlike the traditional fine arts, typically enjoyed only by the upper classes. Consider who had access to this type of media in 1942 Mexico? Editor: That makes me rethink its cultural value beyond just the image itself. The physical object represents access and a sharing of knowledge! Curator: Precisely. Posada used accessible means to depict everyday lives and social issues. "El Veterinario" exemplifies this. It prompts us to question the boundaries between high art and the daily labor and social contexts surrounding art making. Editor: I hadn't considered it in terms of accessible information and democratized art. It adds a new layer of meaning! Curator: That’s the beauty of examining art through a materialist lens, we discover hidden layers!