Art Theory Text with Square in Circle Diagram c. 1933

Curator: Here we have Stuart Davis's "Art Theory Text with Square in Circle Diagram" which, even without a firm date, gives us insight into his artistic process. Editor: It strikes me as a blueprint, or even a visual manifesto. Stark and somewhat confrontational in its directness. Curator: The diagram links “Ideal Form” and “Real Form,” suggesting Davis's preoccupation with bridging the gap between abstract concepts and tangible reality. Editor: Note how the square, inscribed within the circle, dominates. It's not just about geometry; it's about imposing order. Curator: Perhaps alluding to the artist's search for fundamental structures that underpin the visual world. Editor: The handwritten text below further explicates that the circle must be measured in and thought of as a square, and that any line itself is a system of squares. Curator: Davis’s words become an extension of the diagram, reinforcing how he perceived the world through a lens of geometric abstraction. Editor: Ultimately, this piece reveals a mind wrestling with the very essence of form and its perception. Curator: Precisely. A profound exploration condensed into a simple sketch.