Handkerchief c. 1937

Gordena Jackson made this drawing of a handkerchief, likely with graphite or watercolor on paper. The color palette here is so muted, almost entirely white and off-white, but somehow that simplicity speaks volumes. You know, sometimes the quietest things have the most to say. The lace edging of the handkerchief has been rendered with a loving attention to detail. This drawing really makes you think about the labor and time involved in making something like this. It's like Jackson is asking us to slow down and really see the beauty in everyday objects. There's a certain humility in choosing such a mundane subject, elevating it through close observation. The soft folds of the fabric, the delicate pattern of the lace, it's all so carefully considered. It reminds me a little of Agnes Martin, in the way she found endless variations in such a limited range. It’s like Jackson is reminding us that art doesn't always need to be loud or flashy. Sometimes, the most profound statements are made in a whisper.