Red and green horses in a stable 1956

Editor: David Burliuk's "Red and Green Horses in a Stable," painted in 1956 using oil, is a riot of colour! It almost looks… folksy? The bold hues are pretty striking. What is your take on this painting? Curator: It's tempting to read this work through a lens of naive art, especially given the unusual colors. However, I think it's crucial to remember Burliuk's history with the avant-garde, his embrace of radical artistic freedom early in the 20th century, and consider this painting in the context of a much more complicated history. What do the vibrant, unrealistic colours signify to you, especially placed in the very domestic space of a stable? Editor: I guess the horses being red and green maybe speaks to the freedom of expression he was embracing at that time, it feels rebellious. Are we meant to be looking for political statements in the scene? Curator: Perhaps, but more likely it's about questioning artistic conventions, blurring the lines between reality and artistic interpretation. Remember, Burliuk lived through major upheavals, from World War I to the rise of totalitarian regimes. These events radically challenged established ways of thinking and seeing. How might such widespread upheaval influence a commitment to traditional modes of artistic representation? Editor: So the Expressionist style, with its departure from naturalism, became a visual language for expressing inner turmoil and challenging oppressive norms. I didn't really pick that up at first glance! Curator: Exactly. Consider, too, that this was painted in 1956. Burliuk emigrated to the US in the 20s, and in a McCarthy era cultural climate, the kind of European avant-gardism he’d spearheaded might itself represent a subversive act. The colour becomes almost…defiant? Editor: Wow. I initially thought the colours were just a fun stylistic choice, but learning the socio-political influences, it becomes much more significant and deeper. Thanks for illuminating this for me. Curator: My pleasure. Hopefully it pushes you to think critically about other works of art too, and what can influence an artist to create their work.