Apron c. 1936

This is Lillian Causey’s watercolor, *Apron*. Notice how the composition, defined by delicate lines and a muted palette, creates a subtle interplay between representation and abstraction. The composition is carefully arranged with a sketch of an apron displayed beside a rectangular shape with a delicate border. The floral details create a contrast with the unadorned shapes, drawing our attention to the relationship between form and surface. Causey’s integration of domestic objects with artistic representation destabilizes the traditional art world hierarchies. The floral motifs decorating the apron and other elements function as signs, encoding cultural values related to femininity and domesticity. The subtle, almost faded quality of the colors suggests a sense of temporality, hinting at the transient nature of these values. Ultimately, the artwork invites us to consider how everyday objects can be transformed into sites of meaning, challenging fixed notions and engaging with broader cultural discourses.