A Standing Horse 1941

Curator: Standing before us is Xu Beihong's 1941 ink and watercolor on paper, titled "A Standing Horse." Editor: The horse seems tired. The way its head hangs low, the brushstrokes loose and almost melancholic... Curator: Well, consider the socio-political context. This was painted during the Second Sino-Japanese War. Horses were vital to the Chinese military, symbolizing strength but also suffering during wartime mobilization. Editor: So, the artist’s process in creating this piece is also relevant? It is drawing attention to the essential, utilitarian aspects and role the animal was called to fulfill. Curator: Precisely. The very materials speak of availability, utility – ink, water, and paper accessible resources creating an image of a beast of burden. The horse’s very posture communicates exhaustion brought about by constant mobilization and action. Editor: The use of ink wash is incredible. See how he evokes volume and texture with just a few masterful strokes. The horse feels solid despite the fluidity of the medium. It really is interesting, especially given the context. Usually we read dynamism or power when the form of a horse is being rendered! Here we feel the inverse, which also powerfully speaks to the strength and nobility of the animal being wrung of that same nobility. Curator: Notice too, the calligraphy and seals. These aren't mere decorations. They are integral to the artwork, a commentary—almost like adding to the historical record through layers of symbolic language rooted in process. Editor: Yes, they balance the composition beautifully! It is a shame there isn’t more variance, but it isn’t an abstraction either; but the slight unevenness brings focus to the eye and form of the animal and really draws you to it! The lack of detailing almost makes it hard to focus. Curator: Ultimately, Beihong encourages viewers to contemplate more than the horse as a subject; the socio-economic machine that utilizes beasts of burden at great cost to fuel conflict and production is what the horse is illustrating. The choice of media plays an essential role in allowing him to achieve this result. Editor: A starkly composed artwork then, rich in expressive technique! Its emotive impact lingers because of it.