Color Rhythms 

Curator: What strikes me immediately about this work is its sense of organized playfulness. The interaction of geometric shapes creates a sense of almost musical dynamism. Editor: Absolutely! It is vibrant. The artwork we are discussing is “Color Rhythms,” by Sonia Delaunay. What’s particularly significant to consider is the interplay between geometric abstraction and the material application here; notice the texture achieved via what I assume are oil paints or possibly even crayons. Curator: Yes, there's an interesting contrast between the clearly defined geometric forms and the very palpable presence of the artist's hand at work. Considering Delaunay’s work across media, she pushed the boundary between design and art making, questioning a tradition of the “high” or “fine” arts. It opens questions of labour and access, doesn't it? Who makes the art and for whom? Editor: Indeed. Sonia Delaunay was a key figure in the development of Orphism, which as you know, attempted to create abstraction through vivid colour juxtapositions. We need to consider the time; at this time art intersected with so many movements. But if you reflect on post-colonial movements you could observe many artists reclaiming artistic license and abstraction through work such as this. Curator: Very much, this is a pre-war work of enormous joy which stands as testament to the importance of color for people such as Delaunay and can be held in stark contrast with many of the atrocities that prevailed on the continent through both world wars. Editor: Right. Looking at the relationship between art, politics, and social context we could question: Can works like these provide an access point into narratives that encourage intercultural dialogue? It brings up intersectional questions of aesthetics, representation and visual language. Curator: Well, this close engagement shows her interest in abstract composition using materials generally designated as "craft"-orientated to expand access to high arts. This feels radically open for its time. Editor: It does open up the conversation on social change through accessibility! Thank you. Curator: It has been enlightening.