Corner Wash-stand c. 1936

Editor: Here we have Bernard Gussow's "Corner Wash-stand" made around 1936, created using coloured pencils and drawings. It feels almost like an architectural rendering. What do you see in this piece, beyond its straightforward depiction? Curator: It’s more than just a rendering; it's an invocation. A corner washstand itself is symbolic—a liminal space, literally in the periphery. Visually, it holds the past, through the craftsman tradition. Think of the ritual of washing. How does an artist depict a vessel that speaks volumes about sanitation practices, class structures and individual rituals? Editor: It's interesting that you bring up ritual. I hadn't considered the layers of meaning behind the object itself. Curator: And what do you make of the choice to render it so meticulously, almost idealistically? The precise lines and subtle colour gradients convey a sense of order. Is it a comment on hygiene practices of the era, reflecting broader societal values? Or is it something else entirely? Editor: Perhaps it's a longing for simpler times, given it was made during the Great Depression. Or maybe it signifies an aesthetic appreciation in ordinary things. Is that a possible reading? Curator: Absolutely. Every detail echoes both function and the social implications inherent in cleanliness. The artist doesn't give the viewers much contextual setting but lets the viewers reflect on function versus ideals, sparking many thoughts. It serves as an echo, an encoding of values onto everyday objects. Editor: I never would've thought of so many layers in such a seemingly simple piece. Thanks! Curator: My pleasure! It's amazing how something so domestic can still hold potent memories, don't you think?