Senza titolo 1939

Bice Lazzari made this untitled artwork with simple colored pencils on paper. The work's material influence on its appearance is striking; the waxy, slightly translucent quality of the pencils creates a subtle layering effect. The colours intermingle with the green background, built up from many hatched strokes. Consider how Lazzari made this, laying down each mark by hand. These processes imbue the artwork with cultural significance, referencing a history of drawing as a fundamental artistic practice. She engages with the traditions of sketching and color theory, while using accessible materials rather than rarefied paints. There is a modesty to this piece, which reflects a wider social issue. Thinking about the amount of work involved in its production allows us to understand its full meaning, challenging traditional distinctions between fine art and craft.