‘Odyssey’, The Dreamers, 2013 original Biro drawing on china by Jane Lee McCracken
‘Odyssey’ (Lomonosov Foal) – A lying foal ‘Odyssey’ dreams of his odyssey through life – black Biro drawing made of layers of images inspired from ‘The Red and the White’, Miklós Jancsó, 1967, ‘White Mane’, Albert Lamorisse, 1953 and ‘Les sang des bêtes’, Georges Franju, 1949. Hope for a bright future is portrayed in the innocent form of the young foal’s figurine as Odyssey faces his journey through life, tracing his playful youth as a colt ridden bareback by a young boy to cavalry horse of the revolutionary Red Army, to its journeys end at an abattoir. This piece depicts the fate of many war-horses, often cruelly treated and asks whether this is a fitting demise for an animal who has given its life to war service for humans?
‘Odyssey’, The Dreamers, 2013 original Biro drawing on china by Jane Lee McCracken
For further information on this piece please visit this earlier post ‘Meet Odyssey and Old Foe’
Jane Lee McCracken, Artist 
As you know, I love ‘The Red and The White’, one of my favourite films. I am not so fond of Spielberg’s ‘War Horse’ though. I much prefer your interpretations Jane, in the difficult medium of biro on porcelain.
And today of all days, it is most appropriate.
Very best wishes as always, Pete. x
Thank you Pete, I know how much you like ‘The Red and the White’ and juxtaposing this film with the beautiful freedom of ‘White Mane’ seemed to symbolise expectations of youth and the reality of the toil and horror of war in my mind, for both humans and war animals. A poignant day. Best wishes as always, Jane x