Jar c. 1938

Aaron Fastovsky made "Jar" using humble materials, probably watercolor or gouache, conjuring the quiet dignity of everyday objects. The neutral palette makes me think about the act of looking, carefully observing the jar's shape and texture. It’s like Fastovsky is having a conversation with this simple vessel, studying its form, light, and shadow. There's something incredibly intimate about that process, the way he translates its presence onto paper. I bet Fastovsky studied the paintings of Giorgio Morandi; they share an interest in humble objects. Look at the markings on the jar; they're so delicate. Each brushstroke feels intentional, capturing not just the object but also a sense of its history, maybe a little narrative about its usefulness. This painting invites us to slow down, to appreciate the beauty in the mundane, and to think about the stories objects hold.