Beach Scene c. 20th century

Editor: Here we have Gustav Goetsch’s "Beach Scene," probably created sometime in the early 20th century. It’s a small watercolor, a very unassuming little piece, yet I find the layering of washes so compelling. What catches your eye in terms of its materials and production? Curator: What strikes me is Goetsch’s use of watercolor, a medium historically relegated to sketches and preparatory studies. By presenting it as a finished work, he subtly challenges the traditional hierarchy of artistic materials and the perceived value of different forms of artistic labor. Notice the translucency, the grain of the paper – how does this materiality inform the overall feel of the piece? Editor: I see what you mean. The sketch-like quality lends it immediacy. Is there also something to say about his choice to depict the beach, a space of leisure? Curator: Precisely! Consider the social context: who has the time and resources to frequent such a place? Leisure is itself a form of labor. And how does plein air painting, like we see suggested here, connect to class? Think of the accessibility and transportability of the materials. The materials themselves dictate much of what can be created. Do you agree? Editor: Yes, it seems like Goetsch’s approach challenges the formal conventions of landscape painting. By embracing what was thought to be disposable, preliminary artistic acts, he's elevated the mundane. So we can understand it through his specific actions and tools. Curator: Absolutely, by examining the 'how' of art-making – the labor, materials, and consumption – we uncover hidden meanings and challenge established norms, instead of thinking about aesthetics alone. Editor: I never thought about beach going and plein-air painting that way before. Thank you for the insight! Curator: It's a different way to view artworks, I’m glad I could illuminate Goetsch’s choices in this painting!