Study for "Chinese Information Travel"—Profile 1980

This is a preparatory study in pencil on paper by Larry Rivers for his work "Chinese Information Travel". It's all about the process, isn't it? The way the pencil moves and smudges, feeling out the shapes, like the artist is thinking aloud. You can see how Rivers is working through it: the ghosted lines of the rider, the horse's powerful legs, and that ornamental saddle, with the word ‘Red’ inscribed on the side like a quick note to self. There's a real sense of material presence, especially in the shading on the horse's flank, built up with layers of graphite. You can almost feel the texture of the paper, the pressure of the artist's hand. The translucency of the medium, and the layering of the marks all point to an ongoing conversation between the artist and the work. Rivers reminds me of Rauschenberg, in his playful way of combining different elements and his interest in popular culture. But unlike Rauschenberg, Rivers is interested in history painting, something he both embraces and undermines. Like all good art, Rivers's work doesn't give you easy answers.