Unknown Object 1935 - 1942

Editor: This intriguing piece is titled "Unknown Object," created by Harry Mann Waddell sometime between 1935 and 1942, employing watercolors and possibly oil pastels on toned paper. It feels both familiar and alien, almost like a ritual object from a forgotten culture. What do you see in this work? Curator: Immediately, I'm struck by the ambiguity inherent in the title itself – "Unknown Object." This was created during a tumultuous period marked by global conflict. What if this “unknown object” speaks to a larger cultural amnesia, a deliberate or unintentional forgetting in the face of overwhelming societal trauma? Editor: That's a powerful thought! It definitely changes how I view the image, moving it beyond a simple decorative object. The swirling patterns now seem less ornamental and more like obscured symbols. Curator: Precisely. Consider also the material choices – watercolor and potentially oil pastel on toned paper. These are often associated with sketching, studies, rather than finished, "important" artworks. Could Waddell be deliberately using these humble materials to challenge conventional notions of art and value, almost a subversive act against the establishment? Editor: It's fascinating to consider the socio-political context. I was initially focused on the form, but now I see a subtle form of resistance in the very choice of subject and materials. Curator: And notice the circular composition. Circles can represent unity, eternity, but also confinement. Could this “unknown object” symbolize the cyclical nature of history, of oppression, and the need to break free? Editor: Wow, that opens up a whole new perspective for me. I went from seeing a simple object to understanding a complex dialogue about history, identity, and resistance. Curator: Exactly. By questioning what seems self-evident, art encourages us to critically examine the structures that shape our understanding of the world. A simple title – "Unknown Object" – becomes a powerful invitation to explore the unseen.