Hunted 1958

Mort Künstler made "Hunted" with gouache and casein paint. It looks like it was probably created as an illustration, maybe for a magazine. Here, we can see the artist's hand in the very smooth, almost airbrushed effect, with hard-edged objects clearly defined to describe the scene. These traditional painting materials and processes are applied to a work that depicts labor and class in the form of hunting for leisure. The amount of work involved in the hunting process may not be immediately apparent, but the artist is clearly fascinated by the amount of effort that goes into this activity. As with other images made for mass consumption, there is a degree of industrial production at play. The way that images circulate through society and ultimately shape our social relations, has a big impact on how we see ourselves and others. By considering the materials and techniques used to create this artwork, we can gain a deeper understanding of its meaning and significance.