Act II: The Voyage: Where they came upon fantastic Creatures Possibly 1980 - 1981

Arthur Tress made this image, “Act II: The Voyage: Where they came upon fantastic Creatures,” probably by collaging and then photographing it; that sounds like a process of building, shifting, and maybe accidental discovery. I can imagine Tress rummaging through old toys, and theatre props, constructing this whole fantastical scene on a tabletop. I love the textures. They invite you to imagine the miniature-ness of it all and how you could reach out and rearrange the image yourself. The rabbit-headed figure in its fine blue coat, standing so erect and holding a pearl above its head, is leading a strange dragon-like creature. The scene reminds me of the kinds of stage sets that Joseph Cornell, or Robert Rauschenberg might have made. There’s a real sense of drama, like something is about to happen. Artists are always in conversation. They build on each other’s ideas. They are inspired by each other’s creativity. They all offer different ways of seeing, thinking, and experiencing the world. There is no right or wrong reading of this work, but rather multiple interpretations.