Naushnitsa. Before the storm 

Editor: Here we have Vasily Perov's "Naushnitsa. Before the Storm," an ink drawing. It strikes me as a rather tense domestic scene. The textures created with the ink are remarkable. What stands out to you? Curator: I'm particularly interested in the social dynamic represented and how the materials themselves contribute to that narrative. Consider the use of ink, a relatively accessible medium, chosen to depict what appears to be a fraught exchange within a specific class structure. How does the accessibility of the material relate to the scene depicted? Editor: That’s interesting; I hadn’t thought of it that way. Is it fair to assume the drawing style is less time-consuming and thus more economical? Perhaps reflecting on lower class or a rushed creation of some sort? Curator: Precisely! We should explore how the labor of creation, specifically the swift, expressive strokes of ink, challenges traditional notions of artistic refinement associated with other mediums. The seemingly rushed nature hints at a mass production. The roughness also mirrors, doesn't it, the rawness of the scene? The woman looks very distressed, seemingly troubled by gossip she's hearing. Editor: That makes perfect sense. So you're saying that Perov’s choice of materials and style isn't just about aesthetics but a commentary on social conditions? Curator: Absolutely. The way Perov wields this medium transforms the drawing into a powerful document about class, communication, and emotional labor of gossip. The physical act of mark-making itself becomes a form of social critique. What does this reveal, perhaps, about the cultural production during that era? Editor: This makes me consider the agency in what is consumed, which is really intriguing, seeing that it gives so much power to everyday life… and items. Thanks, this has shifted my perspective completely! Curator: And I believe you gave me new avenues to explore regarding labor exploitation and capitalist models that are very current today.