Velvet Bolero for Women c. 1937

This watercolor, "Velvet Bolero for Women," by Syrena Swanson shows us a garment with real presence, a kind of soft power, made of rose-colored velvet and trimmed with copper thread. The rendering is so delicate and precise, you can almost feel the nap of the velvet between your fingers. The embroidery is delightful. The artist has described this garment in radiating lines, repeated zig-zags, and small dots. They create a mesmerizing rhythm, like the echo of a flamenco guitar. The color is mostly contained to the garment itself, with an understated background that reminds me of paper, an ode to the process of garment making. This piece reminds me a bit of the work of Christina Ramberg, but with a softer edge. Swanson celebrates the beauty and craftsmanship inherent in fashion design, elevating a simple garment to the level of fine art. It's a reminder that art can be found in the everyday, and that beauty can be discovered in the most unexpected places.