Jacket c. 1940

Syrena Swanson made this piece called 'Jacket' using watercolour on paper. The work, depicting a pair of trousers and a jacket, is so precise, with its teal and black colour scheme, that it could pass as a tailor's design. There's an almost scientific observation at play, but the subtle variations in tone and texture reveal the artist's hand, an element of expression that transcends mere documentation. Looking closely, you can see where the watercolour bleeds slightly beyond the pencil lines, creating a soft edge. This slight blurring suggests a world of imperfection and chance, hinting at an artistic journey filled with unexpected results. This kind of detailed rendering reminds me of the visionary architectural drawings of Charles Meryon, who was creating beautiful and unsettling etchings of Paris at around the same time Swanson was making this work. Art, whether it's rendering clothing or architecture, captures the spirit of its age, reflecting and reshaping our world.