Old Trees, Level Distance 1080

Editor: This ink and watercolor painting, “Old Trees, Level Distance,” was created around 1080 by Guo Xi. The subtle washes give it a hazy, almost dreamlike quality. What’s most interesting to you about the materiality of this piece? Curator: I am fascinated by the societal forces embedded within it. Consider the labor: from the cultivation of the mulberry to produce the paper, to the grinding of inkstones. It represents a whole network of producers supporting the elite’s artistic endeavors. Editor: So, you're focusing less on Guo Xi's individual expression and more on the means by which this art object came into being? Curator: Precisely. The “dreamlike quality” you perceive is directly related to the refined materials and processes available only to a specific class. Ink wash painting like this also represents a standardization of technique, a certain commodification of landscape itself, intended for consumption and display. Notice also how the seals on the art affect the materiality of it as an art object. Editor: That's a fascinating point about the seals. It shows it changed ownership, maybe influencing value and how it was treated. Were such paintings expensive to make back then? Curator: Highly. The pigments, especially those vibrant colours, would have been derived from rare minerals or plants, often imported over vast distances. Think about the cost of transport, the specialised knowledge required for their preparation... It elevates the landscape to the realm of a luxury commodity, to a social symbol. Editor: So, viewing it as more than just a pretty picture and analyzing all the aspects that created it can tell us a lot more. I see your point. Curator: Exactly. By deconstructing the process of its creation, we begin to understand the socio-economic dynamics that shaped even what we perceive as individual artistry. Editor: It adds a completely new depth to what I thought was just a serene landscape. I will always wonder who grew the trees, the mulberry, or mixed the inks. Thanks!