Buttons 1941

Dorothy Dwin made this drawing of buttons using graphite on paper. While buttons might seem like everyday objects, their history is deeply intertwined with industrial production and social status. Each button, meticulously rendered in graphite, showcases a unique design. We can appreciate the subtle variations in texture, weight, and form. Dwin's choice of graphite allows for delicate shading and fine details, capturing the tactile qualities of each button. The work elevates these functional items to objects of aesthetic contemplation. Buttons were initially handcrafted, representing skill and time investment. However, with the rise of industrialization, they became mass-produced, reflecting changing modes of production and consumption. Dwin's drawing invites us to consider the labor, politics, and artistry embedded in these seemingly simple objects, blurring the lines between fine art and craft.