Stuffed Jumbo (fragment) 

Sue Coe’s 'Stuffed Jumbo (fragment)' is an oil on canvas painting, rendered in a deliberately rough, almost brutal style. Coe is known for her unflinching depictions of animal suffering, often linking it to systems of power and control. Here, the material quality of oil paint contributes to the painting’s visceral impact. The thick brushstrokes and muddy colors create a sense of unease and decay. The painting technique is critical, as it conveys the unsettling feeling Coe is known for. Consider how the texture and weight of the paint itself mirror the heaviness of the subject matter. The loose application and dark tones evoke the grim reality behind the spectacle of entertainment, hinting at the labor and social dynamics involved in this scene. Coe challenges the traditional art world’s separation of fine art and craft. She does so by using her artistic skills to address pressing social issues. She reminds us that materials, making, and context are essential to understanding an artwork’s full meaning.