Dimensions: image: 184 x 216 mm
Copyright: © The estate of Barry Flanagan, courtesy Plubronze Ltd | CC-BY-NC-ND 4.0 DEED, Photo: Tate
Curator: Barry Flanagan, a notable figure in British sculpture who was born in 1941, created this piece titled "Field Day" that now resides in the Tate Collections. Editor: It's a beautiful, simple line drawing, almost like a child's rendering of a horse, but with a sophisticated, knowing wink. There's a gentle melancholy to its stance. Curator: Flanagan's work often played with expectations, juxtaposing classical subjects with a modernist sensibility. The lack of background emphasizes the horse's form, pulling it out of a conventional field setting. Editor: I get a sense of quiet strength. It's not a wild stallion, but something more domesticated, reflective, perhaps even a little world-weary. It's quite endearing, actually. Curator: Flanagan was interested in the legacy of equestrian sculpture and imagery, often using it to comment on power structures and the role of animals in art history. Editor: I think it's more poignant than powerful. A fleeting impression, a simple elegance. Curator: Indeed, its simplicity allows for multiple readings. It's a reminder that even the most familiar subjects can be seen anew. Editor: A quiet masterpiece.