Figurehead: "Brooks Walker" c. 1938

F.W. Powell created "Figurehead: Brooks Walker," sometime in the 20th century using graphite and gouache on paper. The palette is muted, almost monochromatic, save for the tie and handkerchief. The figure is presented from the front, yet with a sense of formality and stiffness that makes me wonder what Powell was thinking. The man is so rigid; he looks like a statue, or even a ship's figurehead. I imagine Powell, brush in hand, carefully layering each stroke to build up the textures and shadows, almost caressing the paper. The way the figure stands so straight and proper feels very intentional. It makes me think of other artists who were interested in the interplay between representation and the human form, like Philip Guston and his hooded figures. Powell's is similar, but different. Artists are always riffing off each other, consciously or unconsciously. It’s this ongoing conversation that pushes art forward, inspires new ideas, and shows us new ways of seeing.