Dimensions: image: 591 x 796 mm
Copyright: © Frink Estate | CC-BY-NC-ND 4.0 DEED, Photo: Tate
Curator: Here we have an untitled drawing by Dame Elisabeth Frink, part of the Tate collection. The dimensions of the image are approximately 591 by 796 millimeters. Editor: It’s captivating. The sketch-like quality, combined with the wash, creates a dreamlike, almost haunting, atmosphere. Curator: Frink often explored themes of masculinity and power, and this drawing is a great example. The juxtaposition of the reclining male figure with the horse is particularly interesting when considering those themes. Editor: Absolutely. The horse, often a symbol of virility and strength, appears almost docile here. I wonder if Frink is deliberately subverting traditional power dynamics. Her attention to the male form is also notable in a male dominated art world. Curator: It's interesting that Frink's sculptures, often of powerful male figures, were very much of their time, when masculinity was being challenged after the World Wars. This drawing certainly allows for a more nuanced reading. Editor: It definitely makes me think about the gaze, and who is doing the looking. It's a delicate balance, especially given Frink's position as a woman artist navigating a very male-dominated space. Curator: I agree. It's a reminder that art is never created in a vacuum. Editor: A thought-provoking piece, offering plenty to unpack.