Jug c. 1939

This drawing of a jug was made by Alfred Parys, sometime before 1969. I find myself really drawn to how Parys embraces the imperfections in the object; the color is uneven, there are blotches and marks all over. It feels more ‘real’ than if it were perfectly rendered. It speaks to the beauty of the everyday. Looking at the drawing, you can almost feel the rough texture of the ceramic. The artist has clearly delighted in capturing the play of light on the surface, using earthy greens and browns to create a sense of depth and form. See that little patch of mottled color near the base? It's like a tiny abstract painting in itself. The more you look, the more you see, it’s like a dance between control and chance. I think of Giorgio Morandi, who spent his life painting simple bottles and jars. Like Morandi, Parys finds endless fascination in the mundane, reminding us that beauty can be found in the most unexpected places. What is art if not this ongoing exploration?