Cathedral Entrance, Mexico c. 1936

Curator: This is William Vaughn Moody’s drawing "Cathedral Entrance, Mexico," created around 1936, rendered in pencil and pen. What's your immediate reaction? Editor: It’s interesting, a real sense of quiet observation. Despite the grandeur implied by 'cathedral,' there's an everyday feeling about the sketch, almost as if we're looking at a snapshot of ordinary life unfolding around this impressive structure. Curator: Exactly! Moody seems interested in portraying the relationship between power structures, both literal and symbolic, and the lives of the people who inhabit their shadows. The cathedral, of course, a major statement of colonial religious influence, becomes the backdrop. Editor: And the presence of the indigenous people walking and standing around... do you think he captures anything specific regarding Mexico's history with colonialism through the scale of the cathedral in relation to the townspeople? Curator: That's definitely an avenue to explore. The imposing architectural dominance against the small figures creates a powerful dynamic. Also, consider the medium, pencil and pen – a method of immediate record keeping, perfect for documentary or journalistic work. What kind of message about Mexico might Moody, as a privileged tourist, send home about Mexico through a choice of these humble, yet functional materials? Editor: That makes me consider class and privilege in artmaking, especially as pertains to the depiction of cityscapes and globalism through tourism. Think about how access is implicit, but also a lens through which the Western gaze may alter perceptions in how urban planning intersects socio-economic structures. Is there a social hierarchy being expressed even through architectural forms alone? Curator: I think that framing the cathedral as more than just religious architecture and viewing it instead as a point of political discourse in post-colonial Mexico creates a fresh conversation on Moody's place in this legacy. Editor: For sure. I am looking forward to continuing our conversation. Curator: Agreed, let's dig deeper next time!