Shoe 1935 - 1942

Mae A. Clarke rendered this drawing of a shoe on paper, with dimensions of 29 by 22.9 centimeters. Two shoe outlines dominate the composition. Their stark symmetry and the minimalist use of line against a neutral backdrop immediately draws attention to the form. The shoe on the left is smooth. The shoe on the right is marked with a 'T' shape, with a flap dividing the upper foot from the lower foot. Clarke challenges the object's conventional purpose. By stripping away color and detail, she reduces the shoe to its most basic shape. The drawing prompts us to reconsider everyday items as subjects worthy of artistic exploration, questioning our perceptions of value and representation. The empty space around the shoes is not merely background; it contributes to a sense of isolation, emphasizing the shoes' forms. The stark simplicity invites ongoing interpretation and re-interpretation.