[no title] 1954

Editor: Here's a quick sketch by Oskar Kokoschka, undated, at the Tate. It shows horses and riders, very loose and free. What do you see in this piece, particularly with such a rapid, almost ephemeral style? Curator: The horses evoke a powerful sense of movement, yes, but they’re also archetypes. Think of the horse as a symbol throughout history – power, freedom, conquest. How does Kokoschka's seemingly casual style impact how we understand those established symbols? Editor: It almost deflates them, makes them feel more immediate and less grand. Curator: Exactly. It’s a glimpse behind the curtain, perhaps, challenging the viewer to reconsider the cultural weight we give these images. Editor: So, he’s using the immediacy to question established narratives? I hadn't thought of that. Curator: Precisely. The sketch becomes a powerful tool for re-evaluation.