Charlie Parker 1933

Editor: Here we have Denman Waldo Ross's sketch, "Charlie Parker," from 1933. It is a full-figure drawing, rendered in pencil. The figure is nude and centered on the page. What do you see in this piece that resonates with the socio-political context of the time? Curator: The sketch, created in 1933, offers a fascinating glimpse into the socio-cultural landscape of that era. How might the artist's choice of a nude subject, during the Depression, challenge or reflect prevailing social norms and anxieties? Editor: I never thought of it that way. So, it could be about more than just the figure itself? Curator: Precisely. It invites us to consider the public role of art. What do you make of the writing on the page? Editor: It seems to be the artist’s notes, perhaps for another drawing. It certainly encourages thinking about the work in progress. Curator: Absolutely. Seeing those notes, for me, creates a deeper connection to the artist’s process.