Attack of the Giant Ray 1971

Editor: So here we have "Attack of the Giant Ray" by Mort Künstler, painted in 1971, rendered with oil paint. I’m immediately struck by how cinematic it feels, almost like a scene from a thrilling, yet somewhat absurd, B-movie. What is your take on it? Curator: That "B-movie" quality is spot on. It's playful and knows exactly what it is, reveling in the drama. For me, it's nostalgia wrapped in adventure. It reminds me of old pulp magazines with their sensational covers promising the impossible. Künstler doesn't shy away from the fantastic. Look how he’s rendered the water; almost frothy and cartoonish. It's a beautiful disaster! What do you make of the ray itself, looming so large? Editor: Well, its size definitely adds to the fantastical element, pushing the boundaries of realism, although Künstler is labelled a Realist. I notice that despite the supposed "attack," there’s a certain serenity to the creature’s face, which kind of subverts the whole action narrative. Curator: Exactly! The painting winks at us, doesn't it? It plays with the viewer’s expectations. Realism, perhaps, but with a wink. What do you think it tells us about the attitude of that time, towards nature and human conflict? Editor: I think it mirrors the growing environmental awareness of the '70s mixed with a love for classic monster flicks. It's as if Künstler is prompting us to question our place within nature's narrative. A very good point. I’ve really seen new depth in this just by discussing it with you! Curator: Likewise! I appreciate your sharp observations, it adds another ripple to the water of understanding the image.