Lilies c. 20th century

Editor: This is "Lilies" by Stephen Greene. It's a charcoal drawing and there's something raw about the mark-making that gives it a sense of immediacy. What do you see in this piece, beyond the obvious floral subject? Curator: The visible process is key. Notice how the artist hasn't tried to hide the smudging or the build-up of charcoal. It emphasizes the labor involved, almost like a record of the artist's physical engagement with the materials. What does that suggest to you? Editor: Maybe that Greene wanted to show the "work" in the artwork? Curator: Precisely. It challenges the idea of art as a purely intellectual or aesthetic pursuit. By highlighting the materiality and the act of creation, it brings a different dimension to the viewing experience. I appreciate that. Editor: That’s a new way for me to look at drawings; thanks for the insight!