The artwork titled “Poet Walking His Dog,” created by Barbara Chase-Riboud in 1994, reflective of the Post-Minimalism art movement and is classified under the figurative genre. It presents a sophisticated and evocative piece that amalgamates both sculptural and literary elements, characteristic of Chase-Riboud’s distinctive style.
The artwork integrates a sculptural form of a poet walking his dog positioned in the foreground of an open book. Both figures exhibit a wrought, almost skeletal composition with significant attention to texture and form. The open book behind the figures showcases handwritten script, contributing a literary aspect to the visual narrative. The contrast between the dark sculptural figures and the lighter background organization of the book’s pages creates a dynamic interplay, drawing the viewer’s attention to both the textual and sculptural elements simultaneously. This amalgamation not only underscores the figurative elements of the work but also reinforces the thematic exploration of storytelling and literary expression. The piece is mounted on a simple brown rectangular base, which enhances its minimalist yet profound aesthetic, indicative of the Post-Minimalist movement.
