Tea Store Figure c. 1937

Curator: Let's turn our attention to "Tea Store Figure," a watercolor drawing Chris Makrenos completed around 1937. It possesses such intriguing geometries! Editor: My first impression is of stillness, even serenity. The palette feels muted, almost sepia-toned, lending it an antique quality. There's a profound sense of quiet contemplation radiating from this figure. Curator: Precisely! Consider how Makrenos segments the figure into distinct planar forms – the torso, the layered skirts, the cubic base – all reinforcing a sense of deliberate construction. The limited tonal range emphasizes these geometric relationships further. Editor: I’m struck by the red beaded necklace, a focal point that disrupts the earth tones. This visual emphasis invites exploration. The string of beads feels like a rosary or mala, lending the figure a devotional air, possibly suggestive of ritual or contemplation associated with tea culture itself. Curator: The artist is playing with formal contrasts. The relatively smooth planes of the figure are juxtaposed against the implied texture of the ground and the round beads of the necklace. Editor: Indeed. It seems her composed stance might mirror inner balance, reflecting tea's association with harmony. Notice, too, her serene expression and folded hands. They’re universal signs for calmness, drawing viewers toward quiet reflection. Perhaps Makrenos is reflecting on the symbolic connection between the self, serenity, and spiritual ritual? Curator: And did you observe how Makrenos has simplified the face, reducing it to essential planes? The lack of explicit detail directs attention to the overall structure of the composition, rather than individual personality. It encourages viewers to study its form and essence, without being distracted by individuality. Editor: Ultimately, “Tea Store Figure” presents us not merely with a figure, but with an idea – perhaps of tranquility, balance, and cultural reflection achieved through art, through a geometrical rendering, and ritualized everyday routines. Curator: An intriguing synthesis. Editor: A convergence between formalist structure and human emotion.