Walking the Dog 1976 - 1979

Curator: This is Keith Arnatt's photograph, "Walking the Dog," now held in the Tate Collections. It looks quite ordinary at first glance. Editor: Ordinary, yes, but there's an undeniable pathos. The man, the dog, both seem weary, marked by time and toil. Curator: Arnatt often explored the mundane, elevating it to a subject worthy of artistic attention. Think about the labor involved in producing even a simple image like this, the choices of film, camera, and printing techniques. Editor: And the symbolism—the dog as a loyal companion, representing fidelity, perhaps even a stand-in for the artist himself, tethered to routine. Curator: Routine, exactly! Arnatt questioned the hierarchy of art, suggesting everyday activities are as valuable as grand narratives. Editor: I see in their shared gaze a connection to something deeper, a timeless bond between humans and animals. There's an echo of classical portraiture, stripped bare. Curator: Perhaps Arnatt wanted us to confront the value we place on the extraordinary versus the lived experience. The materials are simple, but the conceptual weight is significant. Editor: Indeed. It’s an image that resonates long after you look away.