Watch Key c. 1938

Robert Clark made this drawing of watch keys on paper, but I have no idea when. It’s interesting because the colour palette is restrained, almost monochromatic, focusing on subtle variations of gold, cream, and beige. This is what I would call a quiet piece. What strikes me about this image is the artist's meticulous attention to detail, look at those tiny figures! The linework is incredibly precise, capturing the ornate designs and textures of the watch keys. There's a delicate balance between representation and abstraction. The surface is smooth, and the application of color looks intentionally flat, which somehow emphasizes the objectness of the keys. Looking at these golden watch keys, they remind me of Man Ray's photographs of everyday objects, transforming them into surreal and uncanny images. Both artists share a fascination with elevating mundane items into something extraordinary. Ultimately, art is always an open question, not a closed statement.