Walking the Dog 1976 - 1979

Curator: Here we have Keith Arnatt’s photograph, "Walking the Dog," part of the Tate Collections. Editor: Stark. The composition, the black and white—it feels detached, almost confrontational. Curator: Arnatt often explored the mundane aspects of everyday life, questioning societal norms through his art. This piece seems to fit that pattern. Editor: Absolutely. The dog looks like a tiny gargoyle, and the man's gaze, direct and unflinching, adds to the sense of unease. The Union Jack emblem on his jacket is a jarring inclusion. Curator: It’s interesting you mention that, given the post-war social and political shifts that Arnatt lived through. It could be a commentary on British identity. Editor: Perhaps. Symbols are rarely straightforward, aren't they? Ultimately, this image is an invitation to examine the symbols and narratives we inherit and perpetuate. Curator: It makes you wonder about the artist's intention, and the role of photography in shaping public perception. Editor: Indeed, images carry so much cultural weight, even seemingly simple ones like this.